Off-roaders, heed this call! The wait for the updated Force Gurkha is just a step away. Force Motors has released a new teaser showcasing the revamped interior and feature list for both the 3-door and 5-door variants.
A Glimpse Inside the New Gurkha
The teaser barely reflects the inside of the 5-door Gurkha's cabin, but do not expect the 3-door version to be left out of the fun. While generally layout-wise it looks like the outgoing model, there are some obvious changes that you can see. Among those is the new and much larger infotainment touchscreen. The new model may also come with a new storage compartment with a lid above the screen for convenience.
Another upgrade that's on the table is in the digital instrument cluster. While the steering wheel seems unchanged, the new digital display replaces the older analog gauges, providing a more informative and customizable driving experience. The design looks somewhat like units found in Renault cars, but we suspect that this comes with additional features that are unique to the Gurkha.
Seating Options and Creature Comforts
Gone are the days of cumbersome levers! The new Gurkha gets a user-friendly shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, tactfully positioned near the front power window buttons. The traditional gear lever and differential lock handles remain in their usual places. It further states that the seven-seat layout pertains to the 5-door Gurkha, and it comes along with some clarification, pointing towards a middle-row bench and two captain's chairs at the back. Little to change in the interior elements suggests the teaser, together with familiar seats and overall design.
Enhanced Functionality and Safety
The spare tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) through which the Gurkha could now display even the pressure of the spare tire mounted on the back, which is typically seen in premium SUVs like the Land Rover Defender, adds an exciting new addition to the safety and feature front.
The safety aspects see some improvements too. Besides the existing dual airbags and speed-sensing door locks with warnings, rear parking sensors will join the list of features to make the off-roading experience even safer. In addition, the Gurkha now gets traction control and hill-assist for better off-road capabilities and peace of mind.
Mechanical Tweaks and Competition
A revamped side is mostly from the mechanical point of view. The proven 2.6-liter diesel engine coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox remains the same, but with an important addition: an auto start-stop system. This should aid in improved fuel efficiency and have it meet the latest BS6 Phase 2 emission norms. The Gurkha will need to have AdBlue, special solutions that are used to cut down the emission levels to meet the stipulated standards.
Also Read: Tata's supermodel Nexon achieves milestone of 5 lakh units.
With the new features, it is expected that the price for the 3-door Gurkha will go up from the current starting price of Rs 15.10 lakh (ex-showroom). The 5-door variant will, obviously, be priced higher, likely about Rs 1-1.5 lakh higher. In the 5-door segment, initially, the Gurkha’s first competitor would be the Maruti Jimny (Rs 12.74 lakh-14.79 lakh), currently being the only mass-market 5-door off-road lifestyle SUV available. However, the upcoming Mahindra Thar 5-door (expected to be called Thar Armada) will be a much more direct rival, likely arriving in mid-2024 with an estimated price tag of Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom).
The new Force Gurkha promises a perfect mix of rugged capability with modern features and creature comforts. It's shaping up to be an even more enticing option for adventurers who seek a powerful off-road companion without paying any more on functionality and safety.
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