Force Motors, the well-appreciated utility and commercial vehicle manufacturer, introduced its Gurkha 4x4, the world's first Extreme Off-road Vehicle (EOV) in the domestic market on February 15, 2013. The Force Gurkha was unveiled in front of domestic car enthusiasts at the 2013 International Bus and Utility Show, currently going on at the India Expo Mart Limited (IEML) in Greater Noida. The 4x2 soft top base trim of the much awaited Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) comes with a price tag of Rs. 6.25 lakhs. Further, the 4x4 soft top and hard top Gurkha models carry retail values of Rs. 8.35 lakhs and Rs. 8.5 lakhs, respectively (in the ex-showrooms of New Delhi). Pegged as a true blood off-road SUV, the best thing about Force Gurkha is that it is powered with a Mercedes sourced 2.6 litre diesel powertrain and flaunts lineage of iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.
Expressing his delight at the launch ceremony of Force Gurkha at the 2013 International Bus and Utility Show, Prasan Firodia, Managing Director (MD), Force Motors, was quoted as saying, “The vastly superior gradeability and its ability to negotiate undulating terrain makes the Gurkha an ideal vehicle for ‘off road’ conditions. The macho looking Gurkha has timeless classic appeal that would interest off-road enthusiasts across the nation.”
Coming to under-the-hood specifications of the newly launched Force Gurkha, the uber-cool SUV comes fitted with a 2.6 litre Mercedes sourced OM 616 turbo charged intercooled diesel power-mill. The OM 616 diesel engine churns out a peak power of 81 bhp at 3,200 rpm, along with a maximum torque of 230 Nm at 1,800 to 2,000 rpm. The engine assembly of Force Gurkha SUV is mated to a five speed synchromesh manual transmission gearbox, which entails it to tread any demanding and uncertain off-road terrain without breaking into sweat.
The 2013 Force Gurkha, or the world's first EOV is compliant with BS III emission levels and is a pure bred off-roading capable SUV. The exteriors are classy and flaunt a mannish road presence, along with a strong muscle character. Gurkha's most noticeable feature is its air intake snorkel and huge headlamps that complements its ultra-modish front fascia. The interiors are basic in design and quality, which will make no difference to the domestic car aficionados seeking a mean and powerful off-road SUV in their garages. Force Motors also offers a factory-fitted air conditioning system, alloy wheels, tubeless tyres and power steering in the Gurkha model range. Further, the EOV is available in three exciting colour options.
