Hold your horses, Mahindra. While the Armada sounds like a five-door, go-anywhere adventure machine, India already has a king in this segment: the Force Gurkha. This 2024 model boasts significant upgrades, but let's first delve into the Gurkha's legacy.
A Legacy of Ruggedness (1987-Present)
In 1987, Force Motors introduced India's first fully indigenous utility vehicle. This extremely rugged machine tackled overloads and conquered the roughest terrains. The "Gurkha" name arrived in 1992, inspired by the legendary warriors. The Trax Gurkha was built to go anywhere, and it lived up to its name.
Multiple recognitions later, the Gurkha became an independent Force offering in 2005. It was, and arguably still is, the best indigenous off-roader in India. This "Terrain Tamer" could demolish mountains and swim through streams. From its humble beginnings, the Gurkha has evolved into a force to be reckoned with, culminating in the first-ever five-door version.
The Gurkha's shortcomings in the interior are more than compensated for by its driving dynamics. First up, the power increase is substantial – 140hp replaces the previous 95hp, accompanied by 320Nm of torque. This is a whole new beast.
To handle the extra power, the front suspension was developed with Gabriel, and the gearbox is a heavier-duty unit borrowed from the Traveller. The gearbox has been smoothened for easier operation, but the clutch travel was too short for my liking.
The suspension feels heavy-duty and can take a beating, yet it delivers a surprisingly comfortable ride comparable to an Innova. Rumble strips and speed breakers become mere suggestions. This capability begs you to explore the unbeaten path.
On Force Motors' off-road course, the Gurkha tackled everything with ease. It climbed gradients and navigated steep ramps and ditches without any driver intervention. Despite the lack of hill descent control, the Gurkha managed downhill speeds effortlessly. It makes you wonder where its true limits lie.
While comfort and features have been added, the interior doesn't quite match the exterior's ruggedness. It feels like a different car, but undeniably better than before. New features include a driver's information display, an aftermarket Nippon screen for connectivity, driver's armrest with ratchet operation, an electronic shifter for the differential gearbox, new center console buttons, and a more powerful AC.
The practicality has certainly improved. However, ingress and egress require a certain level of fitness – it's quite a climb. While the front row offers decent space, the second row suffers from limited knee room, a flat and upright bench, and power window controls that hit your knees. Still, it's a significant improvement over the three-door.
Surprisingly, the rear seats (individual chairs without armrests) offer the second-best space and comfort. Accessing them, however, remains a challenge. The five-door variant boasts a dedicated rear AC unit with its own cooling coil.
Unlike most facelifts, differentiating this Gurkha from its predecessor is a challenge – unless you spot the five-door variant. This addition brings extra seats, increased ground clearance, and a new color reminiscent of the Scorpio N. Bigger wheels further elevate the stance.
Personally, the five doors make the Gurkha look far more proportionate. It finally has the length to match its height, resembling a desi station wagon more than the three-door version. The road presence is unmatched – it dwarfs Innovas. Adding to this character are accessories like lights, grille, snorkel, roof carrier, tow hook, and windscreen protector.
The build quality is commendable. The doors close with a satisfying thud, and the clicks and ticks are almost ASMR-worthy. But does the interior live up to the exterior's brawn?
In a Gurkha vs. Thar showdown, the Gurkha emerges victorious. It drives better, handles highways with ease thanks to the power boost, and boasts a timeless design, superior build quality, and undeniable desirability. Plus, it's a fraction of the cost of a G-Wagon. The five-door option adds significant comfort, making it a true family vehicle. Finally, Force has delivered! This is a worthy addition to any garage.
Engine: 2.6 turbo diesel CR
Transmission: 5-speed M/T
Power: 140 hp
Torque: 320Nm
Dimensions: 4,390 X 1,865 X 2,095 (5-door)
Weight: 3125 Kg
Fuel Tank capacity: 63.5 litres
Ground Clearance: 233mm
Tyre: 255/ 65 R18
Price: Expected 16.90-17.40 lakh (ex-showroom)
