Force Motors has unveiled the refreshed Gurkha lineup, now available in a five-door variant for the first time, featuring a three-row seating configuration. This rugged off-roader from India, drawing clear inspiration from the Mercedes G-Class, has received minor technological updates inside the cabin and remains exclusively powered by diesel.
Starting with the latest addition, the five-door Force Gurkha maintains the boxy aesthetics of its predecessor, with the elongated body further resembling the G-Wagen. Stretching to 4,390 mm in length, the five-door version is a substantial 425 mm longer than its three-door counterpart, with the additional length entirely allocated to the 2,825 mm wheelbase.
Retaining its distinctive design cues, including the iconic round LED headlights and unpainted plastic bumpers that complement the broad fender extensions, both front and rear ends exude the signature rugged appeal. Emphasizing its off-road capabilities, the SUV boasts a ground clearance of 233 mm, accompanied by features like the snorkel, roof rack, and rear-mounted ladder. Enhancing its off-road prowess are the 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.
Inside, both variants are equipped with an enlarged 9-inch infotainment touchscreen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While the new setup also incorporates a digital instrument cluster, it falls short of the sophistication seen in contemporary vehicles from other manufacturers. Although Force Motors claims the dashboard is adorned with a car-like soft-touch material, the overall design still reflects the SUV's budget-friendly nature.
Crucially, the extended body of the five-door Force Gurkha accommodates a practical three-row, seven-seater layout. However, the compact dimensions limit luggage space, particularly with all seats occupied. Safety features are modest, comprising dual airbags, seatbelts, ABS, and a reversing camera.
Under the hood, the Gurkha range is powered by a 2.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine sourced from Mercedes-Benz, generating 138 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. Power is channeled to all four wheels solely through a five-speed manual gearbox and a 4WD system with front and rear locking differentials. Maintaining its rugged appeal, the Gurkha rides on a ladder-frame architecture and benefits from multi-link coil suspension on both axles.
The updated Force Gurkha, now available in a five-door configuration, is poised to hit the Indian market soon. While pricing details are yet to be disclosed, it is anticipated to commence from approximately $19,000 to $20,000. Competitors in the segment include the smaller Suzuki Jimny 5-Door and the forthcoming Mahindra Thar Armada.