The much-awaited Force Gurkha has been launched in the Indian market at a price of Rs 13.59 lakh (ex-showroom). The new Gurkha was first showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo, with Force only recently revealing the production-spec model. Bookings for the new off-roader have officially begun, and according to Force, its deliveries will commence from October 15.
- The Gurkha features new interior and exterior styling
- It uses a 91hp, 2.6-litre diesel engine
- 4WD and manually locking differentials come as standard
2021 Force Gurkha: design
In many ways, the new Gurkha looks similar to the previous model despite the entire body shell being new. Although there are some key changes over the older model, such as the new grille, bumpers, light clusters, larger rear windows that Force calls ‘panoramic windows’ and a larger rear windshield.
There are even a few design changes over the model shown at the Auto Expo, like how the front grille now has ‘Gurkha’ spelled out rather than the Force Logo and it gets a new 4x4x4 badge on the rear fender that the former didn’t.
2021 Force Gurkha: interiors and features
Stepping inside, you’ll notice that the Auto Expo show car’s dual-tone cabin has been replaced by a single tone dark grey. However, the new dashboard design is still present. In order to further up the new Gurkha’s appeal, a number of new features have been included such as a new touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth support. This is in addition to kit like tilt and telescopic adjust steering, individual armrests for the rear seats, USB charging sockets for all four occupants, power windows, central locking, air-conditioning, LED headlamps with DRLs, fog lamps and cornering lamps. The Gurkha even gets a snorkel as standard from the factory.
In terms of safety features, the Gurkha complies with all the current regulations with dual airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchors and even a tyre pressure monitoring system. The rear seats are also front facing captain seats, though they only come with a lap style seat belt.
2021 Force Gurkha: engine and gearbox
Powering the new Gurkha is an upgraded version of the old model’s 2.6-litre, diesel engine that produces 91hp and 250Nm. This engine comes paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox, though there is no option for an auto’ box. Unfortunately, the Gurkha Xtreme’s 140hp, 2.2-litre diesel has been dropped from the line-up. As before the new Gurkha also gets four-wheel drive with low range and manual locking front and rear differentials.
While the suspension set-up remains unchanged compared to the previous model, Force claims it has been retuned for improved ride quality. Force also states that the new Gurkha can traverse slopes with a grade of up to 35 degrees and has a wading depth of 700mm, owing to the snorkel.
2021 Force Gurkha: competition check
The Force Gurkha’s only real competitor is the new Mahindra Thar. Both off-roaders have recently received major updates, aimed to make them more appealing as lifestyle vehicles, in place of a no-frills off-roader like their predecessors. You can read our specifications comparison of the two off-roaders, if you want to see how they compare on paper.
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