While having made its debut at last year’s Auto Expo, Force Motors will be revealing the new Gurkha in production spec on September 15, 2021. In the build-up to the debut, Force Motors has released a slew of teasers revealing some of the details of the upcoming SUV.
- New Gurkha to be better equipped than outgoing model
- Gets forward facing captain sets in second row
- Retains four-wheel drive with locking differentials
New Force Gurkha: What’s known
The new Gurkha while similar in design to the outgoing model with its boxy and upright looks, has received a number of changes. The body shell is new while the chassis has been upgraded to meet the latest safety regulations. Notable styling updates over its predecessor include the new LED headlamps with DRLs, revised grille, new bumpers and larger windows for rear passengers and a wider rear windshield. Like its predecessor the new Gurkha too will come fitted with a snorkel and wear the 4x4x4 badge.
The cabin too is a step up from before with more creature comforts including front facing captain seats in the rear replacing the side-facing bench seats of its predecessor. The show car also had a pair of jump seats in the rear though it remains to be seen if they will be standard fit. The SUV at the Auto Expo featured a dual tone interior though in its slew of teasers the company has revealed that the production SUV will get a matte-black finish dashboard and centre console.
Force Motors has also confirmed a slew of features for the Gurkha including a touchscreen infotainment system – a first for the SUV, the aforementioned LED headlamps, individual armrests for the rear passengers, rear wiper and air conditioning.
Furthermore, Force Motors will also offer a long list of customization options for the new Gurkha, in a bid to boost sales of the off-roader.
New Force Gurkha: Engine details and 4WD
At the Auto Expo Force Motors confirmed that the new Gurkha will carry forward the old 2.6-litre diesel engine upgraded to meet BS6 norms. The unit will develop 90hp and 260Nm of torque and come paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The outgoing Gurkha Extreme’s 140hp, 2.2-litre diesel engine is unlikely to return with the new Gurkha.
As before four-wheel drive will be available along with locking front and rear differentials – the latter via levers on either side of the floor console between the driver and passenger.
The suspension too is expected to be retained from the outgoing model with independent front double-wishbone up front and five-link, rigid-axle rear arrangement, with coil springs at all four corners.
New Force Gurkha: Rivals
The Force Gurkha at its heart will remain a more purpose build off-roader with the added creature comforts set to make it more appealing to lifestyle buyers. The SUV will go up against the second-gen Mahindra Thar when it is launched.
Also see:
New Force Gurkha: First look video
New Force Gurkha: Image gallery