Force Gurkha to get Force One's 2.2-litre BS-IV engine, to be launched soon in India
The Force Gurkha will be launched with a 2.2-litre, four cylinder diesel engine from its stablemate, the Force One in a few months. The new engine option, that produces 141PS at 3,800rpm and 321Nm between 1.600rpm to 2,400rpm is being introduced since it is BS-IV compliant, which will enable Force Motors to sell the SUV in metros across the country. It will however be retuned considering the low-end torque that off-road vehicles like the Gurkha need in abundance. This engine is based on the Mercedes OM611 common rail diesel engine.
The Force Gurkha is currently powered by a Mercedes OM616 derived, BS-III compliant, 2.6-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 82PS at 3,200rpm and 230Nm between 1,800 to 2,000rpm. Besides the engine change, expect a few changes to the upholstery and equipment levels. Force Motors say that they paid heed to customer feedback and hence have provided few more creature comforts in the cabin. The Force Gurkha is currently sold with three optional trims, 2WD soft top, 4WD soft top and 4WD hard top. The Gurkha is based on an old Mercedes-Benz G-Class platform. Ironically though, the Force Gurkha in its present guise was never sold to customers and neither did we ever get a media vehicle for a test. The updated unit though should be more fun to drive given the power on tap.
The Force Gurkha is regarded as a serious off-roader with 210mm ground clearance and differential locks on both front and rear axles. It has a 37 degree approach angle, 34 degree departure angle and a 29 degree rampover angle. There is a roof level snorkel to help it wade through bonnet high water.
It's no wonder then that the Force Gurkha, although understandably in a heavily altered avatar, has won the 2014 and 2015 Rain Forest Challenge in India.
Starts Rs 13.59 Lakhs
2596cc
Manual
91
250
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Starts Rs 1.5 Crore
2925cc
Automatic
286
600
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