Ahead of the launch of updated Force Gurkha, these videos have caught the attention of off-roading enthusiasts
2020 was supposed to bring in new versions of 2 of India’s most loved off-roaders, the Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha. While the 2020 Thar has already been launched, Force Motors is still readying up the launch plan for the 2020 Force Gurkha.
Surprisingly, it was the updated Gurkha which was displayed at the 2020 Auto Expo in February’20 and not the 2020 Thar; however, it is the latter which has been launched earlier. While the launch of the 2020 Gurkha is imminent, an interesting old video of the current gen Gurkha has gone viral.
The video shows a Gurkha wading through a bonnet-deep water body and crossing it without any troubles. Later, the Gurkha decides to climb up a flight of stairs and does so, as if it is traversing just a regular paved surface, i.e. without any additional effort. The video clearly showcases the amazing off-roading capability of the Gurkha, which it is well known for.
2020 Force Gurkha
It is to be noted that the 2020 Force Gurkha isn’t an all-new vehicle. Instead, the 2020 Gurkha is a facelift of the current gen Gurkha which comes along with multiple updates both on the outside and inside. However, the most significant update is the new BS 6 emission norms compliant engine.
The engine will be a 2.6 litre diesel motor which has been derived from Mercedes Benz’s OM616 motor. It will be able to dish out 90 PS of power and 280 Nm of peak torque. It will come mated to a 5-speed gearbox and a 4X4 drivetrain. 4×4 capability will be offered as standard.
On the outside, the 2020 Gurkha looks way more modern than the pre-facelift model. The model had even garnered considerable positive response from enthusiasts at the 2020 Auto Expo. Highlights on the outside include an updated grille and a bumper with large fog lamp housings. Highly functional Snorkel from the pre-facelift model has been retained while the rear continues to look simple and smart with a clean design.
Launch Competition and Pricing
Post launch, the 2020 Gurkha is primarily going to compete with the Mahindra Thar. While Mahindra has now positioned the Thar more as a life-style product, the Gurkha will continue to be aimed at hard-core off-roading enthusiasts.
Force Motors hasn’t revealed a timeline for launch, however it is safe to assume that the updated Gurkha will go on sale before the closure of FY 2020-21 (i.e., before March’21). Pricing should mostly start under the INR 10 lakh mark and the top-end trim costing around INR 13 lakhs or so.
