The Indian frame SUV Force Gurkha returns to the market in an updated form after a year-long break due to the need to modernize the diesel engine. Along with the modified engine, the SUV received a number of other updates and is now available in both three- and five-door body styles.
Gurkha is the only passenger model of the Indian company Force Motors; the current SUV of the so-called fourth series was presented in the fall of 2021. Last spring, Gurkha temporarily withdrew from the market because its ancient licensed 2.6-liter Mercedes-Benz OM616 turbodiesel, whose roots go back to the early 1970s, did not comply with Indian environmental regulations BS6 phase 2 — they came into force on April 1, 2023 . In the only full year of sales — 2022 — the current Gurkha sold 830 units in India, this is a very modest result for the Indian market, the volume of which last year exceeded 4 million new passenger cars.
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The updated Force Gurkha was presented in India on April 29, its engine now meets all the necessary requirements (Autocar India reports that the developers had to add urea injection to the design for this) and, in addition, has become significantly more powerful: output has increased from 91 hp. and 250 Nm up to 140 hp. and 320 Nm. The stop&start system allows you to slightly reduce fuel consumption when sitting in traffic jams. The transmission is the same — 5-speed manual. The all-wheel drive system has not changed: part-time with a rigidly connected front axle and a reduction gear in the transfer case, but the transfer case is now controlled by a washer and an electric drive, and not by a lever. Cross-axle differential locks are still controlled by handles located on the sides of the manual transmission lever.
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The five-door version was with the Gurkha before the generational change in 2021 and has now also returned to the market. The wheelbase of the five-door compared to the three-door version has been increased from 2400 to 2825 mm, overall length — from 3965 to 4390 mm, height — from 2270 to 2296 mm, width has not changed — 1865 mm. Ground clearance for both versions is 233 mm, fording depth is 700 mm.
The front suspension of the Gurkha is an independent spring suspension on double wishbones, while the rear suspension is a dependent multi-link with spaced springs and shock absorbers. The front brakes are disc, the rear are drum. The steering is equipped with a hydraulic booster. The standard tire size is 255/65 R 18 (before the modernization there were 16-inch wheels). Fuel tank volume — 63.5 l.
On the outside, the Gurkha remains virtually unchanged and still slightly resembles the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, with the taillights now being LED. Snorkel is included as standard. For an additional fee, roof rails or an expeditionary roof rack, a ladder to the roof, a protective frame for the windshield, protective nets for headlights, flashlights and turn signals are offered.
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In addition to the aforementioned transfer case control puck, a new fully electronic instrument panel has appeared in the interior of the Indian SUV. The diagonal of the multimedia screen has increased from 7 to 9 inches, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto has been introduced. Only two front airbags are standard equipment. The three-door Gurkha has four seats, with two separate seats in the second row. The five-door SUV is ready to carry up to seven people, its seating formula is 2+3+2.
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The price list for the updated Force Gurkha has not yet been made public, but it will go on sale later this year month. The Force Gurkha will compete mainly with the frame SUV Mahindra Thar, which will also have a five-door version in the near future. Last year, a more compact Suzuki Jimny with a five-door body debuted in India.
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