Force Gurkha

Force Gurkha Thar’s competitor launched in Indian market

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Force Gurkha : In a bold move set to shake up India’s increasingly competitive off-road SUV segment, Force Motors has launched its thoroughly reimagined Gurkha, positioning it as a direct competitor to the wildly successful Mahindra Thar.

The rugged four-wheeler arrives with authentic off-road credentials, distinctive styling, and a feature set calibrated to attract adventure enthusiasts who previously had limited options in this specialized segment.

Force Gurkha Built for the Untamed

The new Force Gurkha makes its intentions clear with a purposeful design that prioritizes function while maintaining distinctive visual character.

The boxy silhouette features circular LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, a snorkel air intake as standard equipment, and prominent “GURKHA” lettering across the front grille – leaving no doubt about its identity.

Unlike more urban-focused SUVs with off-road pretensions, the Gurkha comes factory-equipped with proper off-road hardware: high-profile all-terrain tires, significant 215mm ground clearance, and short overhangs that contribute to approach and departure angles of 37 and 33 degrees respectively.

The water wading capacity stands at an impressive 700mm, enabling river crossings that would strand less capable vehicles.

“We’ve designed the Gurkha to be a genuine off-roader first and foremost,” explains Prasan Firodia, Managing Director of Force Motors.

“While it offers more comfort than previous generations, we haven’t compromised on the fundamental capabilities that adventure enthusiasts demand.”

Force Gurkha Mechanical Credentials

Powering the Gurkha is a Mercedes-Benz-derived 2.6-liter diesel engine producing 91 horsepower and a substantial 250 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission.

While these numbers may seem modest compared to more road-focused SUVs, the powertrain delivers its torque at low RPMs – exactly where it’s needed for technical off-road situations.

The four-wheel-drive system features selectable 4×4 with low-range transfer case and manually locking front and rear differentials – hardware typically found only in significantly more expensive vehicles.

This setup gives the Gurkha genuine capability in challenging terrain, from slippery inclines to rock crawling scenarios.

The suspension combines an independent double-wishbone setup at the front with a rigid axle and coil springs at the rear – a configuration that balances articulation capabilities with reasonable on-road comfort.

Stability control and hill descent control round out the electronic driver aids, though they’re calibrated to assist rather than override driver inputs.

Force Gurkha Utilitarian Yet Comfortable Interior

Inside, the Gurkha embraces a functional aesthetic while offering more comfort than might be expected from its exterior suggests.

The cabin features four captain’s chairs, providing individual seating for all occupants.

The dashboard has been redesigned with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering smartphone connectivity, though physical buttons remain for critical functions – a practical touch for when the vehicle is being operated with muddy gloves.

Other interior highlights include tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, power windows, central locking, and air conditioning.

Safety equipment comprises dual airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, and three-point seatbelts for all occupants.

Vishnu Mathur, an off-road enthusiast who participated in the media drive event, noted: “The interior feels properly thought out for the intended purpose.

It’s not luxurious, but it’s comfortable enough for long journeys to remote locations, and the materials seem like they’ll hold up to mud, dust, and general abuse.”

Force Gurkha Market Positioning

With pricing starting at ₹13.59 lakh (ex-showroom), the Gurkha positions itself as a specialized tool for adventure seekers rather than a mass-market product.

This pricing places it in direct competition with the Mahindra Thar, which has enjoyed tremendous success since its comprehensive redesign in 2020.

Force Motors is initially offering the Gurkha in a single fully-loaded variant, available in five colors: Copper Red, Orange, Green, Grey, and White.

The company has indicated that three-door and five-door variants with different wheelbase options are under development for future release.

Industry analyst Pratap Singh observes: “The off-road SUV segment is relatively new for the Indian market but shows tremendous growth potential.

The Thar proved there’s significant demand for authentic off-roaders that don’t require deep pockets. The Gurkha’s arrival gives consumers a credible alternative with its own distinctive character.”

Force Gurkha Dealer Network and Ownership Experience

Force Motors has expanded its sales network to support the Gurkha’s launch, with 35 dealerships now operational across major cities and off-roading hotspots.

The company offers a standard 3-year/150,000 km warranty, with service intervals set at every 10,000 kilometers.

For the growing community of Indian off-road enthusiasts, the Gurkha’s arrival represents a welcome expansion of choices in a segment previously dominated by a single option.

Whether it can challenge the Thar’s remarkable market success remains to be seen, but its authentic capabilities ensure it won’t be dismissed as merely a token competitor.

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