Force Gurkha Key Specifications

Buying a new car in India is an exciting journey, but it also involves a lot of important decisions. You think about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, what the monthly maintenance will be like, if it has all the latest features, and how good the company's service network is. For those who love adventure and demand a tough, go-anywhere vehicle, one name often comes up: the Force Gurkha.

Known for its robust build and legendary off-road capability, the Force Gurkha has always been a niche product. But with its latest updates, including a new 5-door version, it's looking to attract even more Indian car buyers. Let's dive deep into what the new Force Gurkha offers and whether it's the right adventure companion for you.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Force Gurkha is powered by a reliable diesel engine, built to tackle tough terrains and long distances with ease.

• Engine Type: 2.6 Litre Mercedes-derived CRDe Diesel Engine
• Maximum Power: 140 bhp
• Peak Torque: 320 Nm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual

Design Overview

The Gurkha retains its iconic, purposeful design while adding modern touches.

Exterior:

• Muscular, upright stance with classic SUV proportions.
• Signature G-Wagen inspired looks.
• New LED headlamps with circular DRLs.
• Large grille and chunky bumpers for a strong road presence.
• Prominent snorkel for superior water wading.
• New 18-inch alloy wheels (for 5-door variant).

Interior:

• Functional and spacious cabin, especially in the new 5-door version.
• All-black interior theme.
• Forward-facing captain seats for all rows in the 5-door variant, offering good comfort.
• Improved ergonomics and better material quality than previous models.

Key Features

The new Gurkha brings a host of features to make your drives more comfortable and connected.

• Infotainment System: 9-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
• Connectivity: USB ports, Bluetooth.

Climate Control: Manual AC (for now).Comfort: Power windows, central locking.Convenience: Follow-me-home headlamps.Off-road specific: Differential locks (front and rear), low-range transfer case.Note: Features like sunroof, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging are not currently available in the Gurkha.

What is the Ground Clearance of Force Gurkha?

• The Force Gurkha boasts an impressive 233 mm of ground clearance, making it highly capable of clearing obstacles on challenging terrains.

What is the Boot Space of Force Gurkha?

• While official figures for the 5-door Gurkha's boot space with all seats up are yet to be fully detailed, the 3-door variant offered limited space. The 5-door model with its flexible seating (captain seats in all rows) aims to provide more luggage room when the last row is folded or removed, making it practical for adventure trips.

What are the Dimensions of Force Gurkha?

• Length: 4390 mm (5-door), 3965 mm (3-door)
• Width: 1866 mm
• Height: 2087 mm

Wheelbase: 2825 mm (5-door), 2400 mm (3-door)

Powertrain Options

The Force Gurkha is designed for serious off-roading.

• Drivetrain: Shift-on-the-fly 4x4 (4WD) system with a low-range transfer case.
• Differential Locks: Manually operated front and rear differential locks for maximum traction in extreme conditions.
• Currently, only a manual transmission is available.

Safety Features

Safety is a key concern for any car buyer. The Gurkha comes with essential safety features.

• Dual Front Airbags
• ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Cornering Lamps

NCAP Rating Table

Rating Body	Force Gurkha (3-door previous gen)	Force Gurkha (5-door new gen)
Global NCAP	3 Stars (Adult Occupant Protection)	Not Tested Yet
Bharat NCAP	Not Tested Yet	Not Tested Yet

Note: The 5-door Force Gurkha is a recent launch, and independent crash test ratings from Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP are not yet available. The 3-door Gurkha (previous generation) received a 3-star rating from Global NCAP.

Rivals of Force Gurkha

The Force Gurkha competes in a growing segment of lifestyle off-road SUVs.

• Mahindra Thar: The segment leader, offering a mix of off-road prowess and daily usability with petrol and diesel engine options, and automatic transmissions.
• Maruti Suzuki Jimny: A smaller, more compact 5-door off-roader with a petrol engine, known for its agile nature and Maruti's strong service network.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Here's a balanced look at what makes the Force Gurkha stand out, and where it could improve.

Pros:

• Unmatched Off-road Capability: With its true 4x4 system, low-range, and front/rear diff locks, the Gurkha is arguably the most capable off-roader straight out of the showroom.
• Rugged Build: Built like a tank, it inspires confidence on rough roads and during expeditions.
• Unique Road Presence: Its distinct, no-nonsense design turns heads everywhere.
• Spacious 5-door Option: The new 5-door variant offers much-needed practicality for families and groups, with comfortable individual seating for all occupants.

Powerful Engine: The Mercedes-derived diesel engine provides ample torque for climbs and highway cruising.

Cons:

• Basic Interior: While improved, the interior still feels a bit utilitarian compared to modern SUVs like the Thar, lacking some premium features.
• No Automatic Option: The absence of an automatic transmission might deter some urban buyers looking for convenience.
• Limited Service Network: Force Motors' service network is not as widespread as Maruti or Mahindra, which could be a concern for some buyers, especially in remote areas.
• Ride Comfort: The ride can be a bit bumpy on regular roads, as it's tuned more for off-road performance.
• Fewer Modern Features: Lacks certain creature comforts like a sunroof, ventilated seats, or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) found in some rivals.

Conclusion

The new Force Gurkha, especially the 5-door model, is more than just an off-roader; it's a statement. If your primary goal is an authentic, no-compromise adventure vehicle that can conquer almost any terrain India throws at it, the Gurkha is a serious contender. Its robust engineering, powerful diesel engine, and hardcore 4x4 capabilities make it a true enthusiast's choice.

However, if you prioritize daily urban usability, a feature-rich cabin with all the latest gadgets, or a widespread service network, then rivals like the Mahindra Thar or Maruti Jimny might seem more appealing. The Gurkha caters to a specific buyer: someone who values raw capability and ruggedness above all else, and is willing to overlook a few creature comforts for an unparalleled off-road experience. It's a car for those who truly love to explore the wild side of India.