MUMBAI :

Force Gurkha has always been one of the most capable off-roading SUVs in the Indian market. It has been on sale for several years in the domestic market, albeit in a 3-door avatar. There was a growing demand for a traditional 5-door version of the SUV from enthusiasts across the country, and so, recently, Force Motors, introduced the Gurkha 5-door version in India. Here’s a detailed look at the newly-launched Force Gurkha 5-door version… 

Force Motors has retained the iconic, rugged and imposing character of the SUV in the 5-door version as well. Besides the Mercedes G-Wagon inspired front fascia, it gets 700mm water-wading capability and a unique factory-fitted air intake snorkel. Adorning the boxy design, the SUV flaunts round-shaped Force Pro-edge LED headlamps with DRLs, a dual-slat grille and Gurkha badging upfront. The rear profile is dominated by the vertical LED tail-lamp cluster, tailgate mounted spare wheel and a ladder for access to the roof. The Gurkha 5-door is offered with a best-in-class ground clearance of 233mm and it rides on dual-tone 18-inch alloys. 

The company claims that the Gurkha 5-door is a more advanced, premium and up-market offering as compared to its predecessor in terms of features and comfort. The 7-seater version of the SUV gets three rows of seating with captain seats in the first and third rows whereas there is a bench seat in the second row. 

Inside, the Gurkha gets an all-new digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some other notable features in the SUV include electronically adjustable ORVMs, start-stop button, new independent front suspension, 35-degree gradeability, Electronic shift-on-the-fly and multiple drive modes. 

The Gurkha 5-door gets the Mercedes-sourced 2.6L turbocharged intercooled diesel engine which now complies with the BS6 Phase II emission norms. It delivers top power of 138 bhp and peak torque of 320 Nm. The SUV is also equipped with fully locking mechanical differentials on both axles as standard while a shift-on-the-fly 4WD knob is also provided near the centre console to switch seamlessly between 2L, 4H and 4L. For now, the company is offering a 5-speed manual gearbox with the Gurkha with no auto transmission. 

In terms of safety, the Gurkha 5-door gets a host of safety features in the form of dual airbags, ABS, EBD, rear camera, tyre pressure monitoring system, traction control, hill-hold assist and three-point seatbelts for every occupant.

You can buy your Gurkha 5-door in any of the four colours: Green, Red, White and Black and it will go up against the upcoming 5-door Mahindra Thar in the Indian market, whereas the 3-door Gurkha rivals the Maruti Suzuki Jimny in India. 

The Gurkha 5-door has been priced at INR 18 lakh (ex-showroom) in the country and you can book yours for a token amount of INR 25,000 at any of the authorized Gurkha dealerships. The dealer dispatch is already underway whereas deliveries and test drives are expected to begin from mid-May onwards.