The Indian off-road SUV segment is heating up, with established players like Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki battling for dominance. Force Motors is aiming to shake things up with the upcoming 2024 Force Gurkha, particularly the recently confirmed 7-seat variant. This new iteration promises to expand the Gurkha’s appeal to a wider range of buyers seeking a blend of practicality and off-road capability.
Gurkha Takes on the Thar Armada:
The lifestyle off-road segment is currently dominated by the 3-door Mahindra Thar and the upcoming 5-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny. Mahindra, however, holds a significant lead with the Thar. While Mahindra was first to market with the 3-door Thar, Force Motors has a chance to steal the spotlight with the 5-door Gurkha, potentially launching before the Mahindra Thar Armada, expected on August 15th, 2024.
A Spacious 7-Seater for Adventure-Ready Families:
Recent spy shots and a video by Annie Johnson reveal a 5-door Gurkha test mule featuring a practical 7-seat layout. This configuration offers greater versatility compared to the existing 3-door Gurkha. The layout incorporates two individual front seats, a bench seat in the second row for three passengers, and two unique front-facing individual seats in the third row, a configuration we’ve seen before on other SUVs.
Potential Upgrades and Design Tweaks:
While the video doesn’t showcase many details beyond the seating arrangement, there are hints of potential upgrades. The dashboard remains camouflaged, but the AC vents appear similar to the current Gurkha. More interestingly, there’s a possibility of a larger touchscreen infotainment system replacing the current aftermarket unit offered by Force Motors. This would be a welcome improvement for a more modern and user-friendly experience.
Beyond the 7-Seater: A 9-Seater Option in the Works?
Given Force Motors’ experience in offering flexible seating options in their commercial vehicles, a 9-seater variant of the 5-door Gurkha wouldn’t be a surprise. The possibility is further fueled by past sightings of a potential 9-seater test mule. The video doesn’t confirm this speculation, but it highlights the diverse Gurkha variants Force Motors might be testing, including a 2-seater single-cab Gurkha pickup for overlanding enthusiasts and the previously spotted 13-seater Giant Gurkha.
Engine and Off-Road Capability:
Regardless of the Gurkha’s size or seating configuration, all variants are expected to retain the same 2.6L FM CR diesel engine, churning out around 95 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. This engine will likely be mated to a sole 5-speed manual transmission. For conquering challenging terrains, a 4X4 transfer case is expected to be standard along with front and rear mechanically locking differentials.
Force Gurkha: A Compelling Off-Road Option for Diverse Needs
The introduction of the 7-seat variant, coupled with the possibility of a 9-seater option, signifies Force Motors’ strategic approach to cater to a broader range of off-road enthusiasts. The Gurkha offers a unique blend of practicality, powerful off-road capabilities, and potential upgrades, making it a compelling contender in the ever-evolving Indian SUV market. As the launch date nears, more details about the Gurkha’s features and specifications are sure to emerge, solidifying its position as a serious contender in the off-road SUV segment.
