KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Force Gurkha 5-door spotted on test
- It could involve testing a new engine or transmission for the Gurkha
- Currently, the Gurkha comes with a single 2.6-litre diesel engine
The Force Gurkha is one of the most underrated lifestyle vehicles in the Indian market. Last year, the brand launched the Gurkha 5-door to make it more practical and user-friendly. Interestingly, Force Motors is still testing the 5-door version, and an uncamouflaged test mule was recently spotted. The test mule is the same model currently on sale, but we believe it may be undergoing testing related to its engine or transmission. Read on for more details about the recently spotted Gurkha. Meanwhile, join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
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Force Gurkha Test Mule Spotted - New Engine or Transmission?
The recently spotted test mule was seen in a convoy of test vehicles from the brand. It appeared to be the same Gurkha 5-door version that is currently on sale, featuring the same snorkel and design. The model is powered by a 2.6-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 140 PS and 320 Nm of peak torque. Transmission duties are handled by a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Now, we speculate that this could be engine or transmission testing aimed at making the Gurkha more competitive against the Mahindra Thar and the Thar Roxx. Both Thar models come with multiple engine and transmission options, which adds to their appeal. In contrast, Force Motors currently uses a single engine across all its products. To make the Gurkha more competitive, the brand might be planning to introduce a new engine or launch it with an automatic transmission.
There are rumors that Force Motors may be testing an electric version of the Gurkha to compete with the upcoming electric Mahindra Thar. However, the brand has not provided any information regarding the new test mule.
Force Motors offers the Gurkha in two seating configurations: the Gurkha 3-door with a 4-seater layout, and the Gurkha 5-door with a 7-seater layout. Both versions share the same design, feature set, and engine. However, the 5-door version boasts larger dimensions.
Verdict
The lifestyle vehicle market in India is seeing strong growth, with the Mahindra Thar Roxx and Thar 3-door leading the segment. The only direct rival is the Force Gurkha, but it lacks several features and is offered with just a single engine and transmission option, which can be a letdown for buyers looking for more versatility. However, the brand might be testing a new engine or transmission, which could give it some much-needed leverage to attract more customers.
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