Unveiled! Force Gurkha 5-Door: More Muscle, More Passengers

The legendary Force Gurkha has finally shed its 3-door persona and emerged as a more versatile and family-friendly Force Gurkha 5-door iteration. This highly anticipated SUV boasts not only the addition of two extra doors but also a significant powertrain upgrade, making it a compelling choice for adventure seekers and off-road enthusiasts.

Fresh Design with a Familiar Face

The Gurkha 5-door retains the rugged good looks of its predecessor, staying true to its boxy, utilitarian design. The extended wheelbase, however, adds a touch of elegance and practicality. Eagle-eyed viewers might notice a striking resemblance to the iconic Mercedes G-Class, particularly in the Gurkha’s new, longer form.

The front profile features bold circular LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs, flanking a no-nonsense rectangular grille proudly displaying the “Gurkha” moniker. A chunky black bumper with a central air dam and round fog lamps completes the assertive stance.

Moving to the sides, the increased length becomes apparent, accentuated by the squared-off wheel arches. Force has equipped the Gurkha 5-door with a factory-installed snorkel for enhanced water wading capability, a functional roof rack (available as an option), and stylish 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. A “4x4x4” badge on the rear fenders proudly proclaims the SUV’s all-terrain prowess.

The rear of the Gurkha 5-door features a tailgate-mounted spare wheel with a convenient ladder for accessing the roof rack. LED taillights and prominent “Gurkha” and “Force” branding complete the look. The placement of the wiper behind the spare wheel is a unique touch.

Gurkha 5-doors Accommodating Interior

While the overall dashboard layout might seem familiar to those acquainted with the 3-door Gurkha, the key change lies in the addition of a third-row seat, significantly enhancing passenger capacity. The second row features bench seats, while the third row boasts comfortable captain seats. Force has hinted at the possibility of offering additional seating configurations in the future.

In terms of features, the Gurkha 5-door offers a user-friendly 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Manual air conditioning with dedicated rear vents ensures passenger comfort in all weather conditions. All four windows are power-operated, and a digital driver’s display keeps essential information readily available. Safety features include dual front airbags, rear parking sensors, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for added peace of mind.

Powerhouse Under the Hood

The most significant upgrade for the Force Gurkha 5-door lies in its new and improved powertrain. The 2.6-liter diesel engine now pumps out a healthy 140 PS, a significant 50 PS increase over the previous version. Torque figures have also seen a substantial bump, with the new engine delivering 320 Nm, a 70 Nm improvement.

The Gurkha 5-door retains its robust 4×4 drivetrain, featuring a low-range transfer case and manually locking front and rear differentials, ensuring it can conquer any terrain you throw at it.

Also Read: Honda Amaze Scores 2 Star In Adult & 0 Star In Child Global NCAP Crash Tests

Expected Launch and Competition

The Force Gurkha 5-door is slated for a launch in the first week of May 2024. Expected starting prices hover around Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom). This feature-rich off-road behemoth is poised to be a strong contender in the Indian market, offering a compelling alternative to the upcoming Mahindra Thar 5-door and a larger, more powerful option compared to the Maruti Suzuki Jimny.

Also Read: The Legendary Jeep Wrangler 2024 launched at Rs 67.65 lakh

Conclusion

The Force Gurkha 5-door represents a significant evolution for this iconic off-road SUV. With its increased passenger capacity, improved powertrain, and modern features, the Gurkha 5-door caters to a wider audience while retaining its core strengths of rugged capability and go-anywhere spirit. This highly anticipated offering is certain to turn heads and carve its own niche in the Indian automotive landscape.

For more automotive updates and industry trends, stay tuned to Motorlane.