Long-wheelbase 5-door Force Gurkha under development
Force Motors is working on a five-door variant of the new-gen Force Gurkha. The project is still under development and there is no set date yet for its market launch. The 5-door Gurkha won't just tack on an extra set of doors on the newly revealed 4x4 but will instead be based on a lengthened version of this Gurkha's new platform.
The 5-door Gurkha will be based on a 2,825mm wheelbase version of the new modular C in C ladder frame that Force Motors has developed for the Gurkha and its other offerings. This is a significant 425mm increase in wheelbase over the three-door Force Gurkha's 2,400mm wheelbase. An increase as significant as this should free up even more space for passengers as well a for luggage.
Apart from this, we expect the long-wheelbase Force Gurkha to carry over the mechanicals from the present version. So expect to see a 2.6-litre Mercedes-derived four-cylinder turbo-diesel with 91PS and 250 Nm as well as all the heavy-duty offroading kit like the low-ratio transfer case and the front and rear axle differential locks. The independent front, as well as the multi-link rigid live axle suspension at the rear, should be carried forward as well, with tuning changes to suit the new frame. The much-improved list of features and interior ambience of the 2021 Force Gurkha should also be carried over in the top trims of the LWB version. So expect to see the all-LED headlamps, the heavy Gurkha branding, the 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, TPMS, power windows and the tilt and telescopic steering. Read our review of the 2021 Force Gurkha here.
The Force Gurkha 5-door will compete with the Mahindra Thar's 5-door version also under development. Expect a roughly Rs 75,000 to Rs 1.0 lakh hike in prices over the standard Gurkha.
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