Force Gurkha to get Force One's 2.2-litre BS-IV engine, to be launched soon in India
The Force Gurkha will be launched with a 2.2-litre, four cylinder diesel engine from its stablemate, the Force One in a few months. The new engine option, that produces 141PS at 3,800rpm and 321Nm between 1.600rpm to 2,400rpm is being introduced since it is BS-IV compliant, which will enable Force Motors to sell the SUV in metros across the country. It will however be retuned considering the low-end torque that off-road vehicles like the Gurkha need in abundance. This engine is based on the Mercedes OM611 common rail diesel engine.
The Force Gurkha is currently powered by a Mercedes OM616 derived, BS-III compliant, 2.6-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 82PS at 3,200rpm and 230Nm between 1,800 to 2,000rpm. Besides the engine change, expect a few changes to the upholstery and equipment levels. Force Motors say that they paid heed to customer feedback and hence have provided few more creature comforts in the cabin. Â The Force Gurkha is currently sold with three optional trims, 2WD soft top, 4WD soft top and 4WD hard top. The Gurkha is based on an old Mercedes-Benz G-Class platform. Ironically though, the Force Gurkha in its present guise was never sold to customers and neither did we ever get a media vehicle for a test. The updated unit though should be more fun to drive given the power on tap.
The Force Gurkha is regarded as a serious off-roader with 210mm ground clearance and differential locks on both front and rear axles. It has a 37 degree approach angle, 34 degree departure angle and a 29 degree rampover angle. There is a roof level snorkel to help it wade through bonnet high water.
It's no wonder then that the Force Gurkha, although understandably in a heavily altered avatar, has won the 2014 and 2015 Rain Forest Challenge in India.