Force Motors has updated the 2017 Gurkha in India. Force has made the vehicle BS IV compliant and has also made a few cosmetic changes to the vehicle. The SUV also gets a new chassis with multi-link coil spring suspension on all the four wheels. The new Gurkha has been launched at Rs. 8.45 lakh while the top-end variant goes up to Rs. 11.48 lakh, both prices ex-showroom, Delhi.
Th Gurkha is now powered by a retuned version of the older 2.6-litre diesel engine. The engine gets changes to be BS IV compliant. The four-cylinder engine develops a maximum power of 85 Bhp at 3,200 rpm and 230 Nm of torque between 1,400 to 2,400 rpm. It is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The Gurkha also gets a low-ratio transfer case.
Force Motors has also expanded the range with the introduction of two new variants. The Gurkha Xplorer is now available with hard or soft roof top. There is a five-door or three-door version and seating capacity can be configured between 5 and 8 seats. It comes with the permanent 4WD system.
Force has also launched Xpedition variant, which is a five-door variant and can seat up to 9 people. However, it only gets rear wheel drive system. The Expedition variant also comes with snorkel as standard.
With the updates, Force Motors has also updated the vehicle to keep it fresh in the market. The changes include new front and rear steel bumpers, thicker tyres, new body graphics, clear lens headlamps, and a full-length slip-resistant footboard. Force Gurkha comes in four colour options – Supreme White, Matt Black, Copper Red and Moonbeam Silver.
The Gurkha competes with the Mahindra Thar in the market. However, the vehicle is appraised for its boxy looks and similarities with the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen.