Force Gurkha : Force Motors has taken a bold step into India’s thriving off-road SUV market with the launch of the revamped Gurkha, placing it squarely against the immensely popular Mahindra Thar.
This rugged vehicle boasts genuine off-road capabilities, eye-catching design, and a range of features aimed at capturing the hearts of adventure seekers who have previously faced limited choices.
The new Gurkha undeniably showcases its ambitious goals through a purposeful design that emphasizes functionality while offering a unique visual flair.
With its boxy shape, circular LED headlights featuring integrated daytime running lights (DRLs), and a standard snorkel air intake, it’s clear this SUV means business. The prominent “GURKHA” lettering on the front grille reinforces its bold identity.
Diverging from the urban-centric SUVs that only hint at off-road capability, the Gurkha comes equipped with serious hardware: high-profile all-terrain tires, a notable ground clearance of 215 mm, and short overhangs that enhance approach and departure angles of 37 and 33 degrees respectively.
Its impressive water-wading ability of 700 mm also allows it to tackle river crossings that might leave less equipped vehicles stranded.
Prasan Firodia, the Managing Director of Force Motors, shares, “We’ve designed the Gurkha to be a genuine off-roader first and foremost. While it offers more comfort than previous iterations, we haven’t compromised on the core capabilities that adventure enthusiasts expect.”
Force Gurkha: Mechanical Credentials
The heart of the Gurkha is a robust 2.6-liter diesel engine, derived from Mercedes-Benz, producing 91 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
While these figures may seem modest compared to urban-centric SUVs, the powertrain shines in low RPMs, delivering torque exactly where it’s needed for tough off-road situations.
Its four-wheel-drive system includes selectable 4×4 functionalities with a low-range transfer case and manually locking differentials, a feature typically reserved for vehicles at a much higher price point.
This setup bestows the Gurkha with the capability to conquer slippery inclines and rocky terrains with ease.
The suspension system combines an independent double-wishbone setup at the front with a rigid axle and coil springs at the back, achieving a balance between off-road articulation and decent on-road comfort.
Additionally, electronic driver aids such as stability control and hill descent control consistently support, rather than supersede, the driver’s actions.
Force Gurkha: Utilitarian Yet Comfortable Interior
The interior of the Gurkha embraces a practical design while unexpectedly providing comfort.
Featuring four captain’s chairs, it ensures that everyone enjoys individual seating freedom.
The dashboard has been updated with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system highlighting smartphone compatibility, while retaining physical buttons for critical features – a thoughtful approach for navigating with muddy hands.
Additional interior elements include tilt and telescopic steering adjustments, power windows, central locking, and air conditioning.
Safety features encompass dual airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, and three-point seatbelts for all passengers.
Vishnu Mathur, an off-road enthusiast who attended the media drive event, remarked, “The interior feels clearly designed for its intended purpose. It’s not luxurious, but it’s comfortable enough for lengthy trips to remote places, and the materials seem durable against mud and dust.”
Force Gurkha: Market Positioning
With its pricing starting at ₹13.59 lakh (ex-showroom), the Gurkha positions itself as a specialized option for adventure lovers, distinct from mainstream products.
This price point puts it head-to-head with the Mahindra Thar, which has enjoyed tremendous popularity since its redesign in 2020.
Currently, Force Motors is offering a single fully-loaded variant of the Gurkha in five eye-catching colors: Copper Red, Orange, Green, Grey, and White.
The company has plans for three-door and five-door variants with different wheelbase lengths in the future.
Industry analyst Pratap Singh notes, “The off-road SUV market is relatively new in India but possesses significant growth potential. The Thar demonstrated there’s a strong demand for authentic off-roaders at accessible price points. The Gurkha offers consumers a credible alternative with its own unique character.”
Force Gurkha: Dealer Network and Ownership Experience
To support the Gurkha’s launch, Force Motors has expanded its sales network, now boasting 35 dealerships across major cities and popular off-roading areas.
The company provides a standard 3-year/150,000 km warranty, with service intervals scheduled every 10,000 kilometers.
For the passionate community of Indian off-road enthusiasts, the Gurkha’s debut signifies a welcome addition to a segment that previously had limited options.
Whether the Gurkha can truly compete with the Thar’s remarkable success remains uncertain, but its authentic capabilities ensure it will not merely be seen as a token rival.
