Upcoming Force Gurkha 5-door: What to expect

Force Motors has recently released a teaser of the new Gurkha SUV. It not only provides a glimpse at its design but also confirms that it's going to be a five-door vehicle. Here's all that we can expect from this hard-core 4x4 off-roader.

Exterior

Unlike the existing Gurkha, which is a three-door vehicle, the 2024 version will be an elongated version with five doors. The teaser image shows the side profile of the SUV which is loaded with a roof rack, snorkel, and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel. It's finished in a metallic green exterior colour. Apart from the longer wheelbase, the 2024 Gurkha will also get a few cosmetic tweaks. Earlier, some spy shots had revealed it with a redesigned grille, squared-out headlamps, DRLs, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Interior

This five-door version will offer three rows of seats with a bench seat in the second row. The third row is expected to get jump seats, which can be folded away easily to create more boot space. There's no confirmation about the new features it will get, but we hope it is not bare bones like the Gurkha three-door. Also, the good quality of materials inside will be a nice proposition to attract more buyers.

Engine and gearbox

On the powertrain front, we expect the same engine and gearbox option as on the current Gurkha. Under the present three-door Gurkha bonnet is a 2.6-litre four-cylinder diesel engine producing 91bhp and 250Nm of torque. This Mercedes-derived turbo diesel is paired with a four-wheel-drive system. Similarly, even the five-door version will get a 4X4 transfer case and front and rear mechanically lockable differentials. These have been the SUV's off-road strengths.

Launch timeline and competition

Force might launch the new Gurkha in a couple of months. It will go up against the five-door version of the Mahindra Thar, which is also expected to go on sale by mid-2024.