![]() The engine of the new Gurkha is much better insulated, and even the in-car NVH levels are significantly better. Interestingly, during the test, we also had an older version of the Gurkha, which we fired up to compare the difference in the NVH levels of the two generations. ![]() In fact, with the standard-fit snorkel, the Gurkha has a water-wading capacity of 700mm, which is quite impressive. There is also off-road gear as standard, which includes selectable four-wheel drive and front and rear differential locks. In terms of transmission, it comes with a 5-speed manual. Powering the Gurkha is Force’s 2.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which, produces 91bhp and 250Nm of torque from just 1,400rpm. Second, let’s be honest, despite the fact that the new Gurkha’s cabin is perfectly functional and a major upgrade over that of the previous-gen model, it is still a very basic and utilitarian cabin. With its chassis design and high ground clearance, getting into the front seats of the Gurkha is a task in itself, which necessitates the use of the footstep and the A-pillar mounted grab handle. However, there are two things that need to be pointed out. Additionally, there is a large boot space behind the rear seats, which means going on long trips in the Gurkha with loads of luggage will not be an issue. The seats are well designed and quite supportive, and there is ample room for four adults to comfortably fit in. Those large rear windows also add to the overall comfortable ambience. This means that you can simply walk into the cabin from the rear door rather than trying to be a contortionist in using the gap behind the front passenger seat. Now before you jump to the conclusion, let me add in the Gurkha’s defence that it does get four comfortable bucket seats, cubby holes for storage, a 7.0-inch multimedia system with Apple CarPlay, dual airbags, ABS, and LED headlamps.Īn interesting feature of the Gurkha is a walkable passage between the rear seats, which can be used via the rear door. However, if you take the cynical approach, it won’t make sense for a vehicle demanding north of ₹16 lakh (on-road) to have an interior with extremely basic quality and equipment. If you look at it charitably, you could say that the interior is a massive upgrade over the last-gen Gurkha and is quite functional and practical. Keeping that in mind, you can look at the Gurkha’s interior in two ways. Now, one of the challenges that a small volume manufacturer, like Force, faces is to offer a great interior, for good interior quality and the latest features can be a very costly exercise. The large fixed rear windows, which transmit a lot of light into the cabin, is a useful touch. In profile, the Gurkha’s design looks quite balanced, with its 2,400mm wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs. So, if you’re a G-Wagen fan, the bonnet resting on boxy fenders, with round headlamps, and the indicators mounted on the bonnet edge will instantly catch your eye. The influence of the G runs deep in the Gurkha – there are significant design touches that emulate the G’s iconic design language. ![]() And perhaps that’s why the folks at Force were egged on to tap into the ever-growing lifestyle vehicle space in the Indian market. But a product doesn’t exist in isolation, it exists amidst competition and, this brings us to the tremendous response that the Mahindra Thar has received, something that folks at Force Motors couldn’t ignore. ![]() So, it seems that the Force Gurkha is already off to a good start, considering its intentions of emulating the G. I don’t think that there is a better role model than the G-Wagen for a new SUV. But, given its off-road bias, is the Gurkha an SUV that you can drive daily? The second-generation Gurkha is Force Motors’ attempt to emulate the appeal of the vehicle that inspired the Gurkha – the G-Wagen. ![]()
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