Lower-spec variant of 2020 Force Gurkha SUV spotted testing

Force Motors had showcased the updated version of their Gurkha SUV earlier this year at the Auto Expo. Force had planned to be launch the updated BS6 version of the SUV earlier this year. Due to several reasons including the pandemic, the manufacturer had to postpone the launch. The SUV is now expected to be launched in the market next year. Gurkha BS6 when launched will compete with recently launched 2020 Mahindra Thar. Several spy pics of Gurkha have already there on the internet but, here we have a new set of images that show the lower spec variant of the SUV.

The spy images have been shared by casualfotographie on their Instagram page. Unlike other spy pictures that we have seen in the past, this one shows an uncamouflaged image of the upcoming SUV. It is without any doubt the base variant of the SUV as it misses a lot of features that were normally seen in the images that we have seen before. Starting with the front, It gets a black coloured front grille and garnish around the headlamp. In higher variants, the grille and the area around headlamps are all body coloured.

The hedlamp is also different. The lower spec variant gets a regular halogen type lamp whereas the higher version get dotted LED DRLs around the headlamp. Another missing feature on the lower spec variant is the frame that runs around the front windshield. However, Force is still offering the snorkel with all the variants. The version spotted testing gets a standard white colour and the alloy wheels that we have seen on the higher spec models are also missing. It gets a regular steel rim with no sticker work on the body.

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The basic design of the SUV remains the same. It is a boxy looking SUV with 2 doors at front and a large glass area for the rear passenger. It is still based on the old platform. The higher spec model was displayed at the Auto Expo 2020 and it got a roof rack as well. It is a hard top SUV and looks rugged in terms of design. On the inside, there are side facing seats which can be accessed by opening the boot.

As this is the base variant, it is expected to get a basic looking cabin with no features at all. It might get power window option from the base variant itself. In comparison to the older version, the higher spec model offers touchscreen infotainment screen, dual tone dashboard, tilt and telescopic steering, dual front airbags, ABS and so on. Minor changes are made to the SUV to meet the current safety and emission norms. All these features except ABS and airbags will be missing on the base variant of BS6 Gurkha.

Coming to the engine, Force will be using the BS6 complaint version of Mercedes-Benz sourced 2.6 litre diesel engine. The engine is capable of generating 90 Bhp and  260 Nm of peak torque. This is a lot less when compared with the 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine used in the new Mahindra Thar. Gurkha is a proper off-road oriented SUV and will get a proper 4×4 transfer case. With a BS6 compliant engine under the hood, the price for the Gurkha is likely to be revised. There is even a possibility that the lower version will not see too much of a price hike as it will be offering no features at all.

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