Recently Force Motors’ very capable off-road focused Gurkha saw an update to become compliant with the new safety norms. The SUV has seen a few additions such as ABS brakes and is expected to get airbags, seat belt reminder, over-speed alert and reverse parking sensors. And now Force Motors is reportedly developing a new Gurkha. The current Force Gurkha may not be able to clear the new upcoming crash safety norms that will come into effect from 1 October, 2019.
The new body design will replace the current design to fare better in the crash test norms. The next generation Force Gurkha is also expected to get better & have more comfortable interiors. The Force Gurkha is expected to go into production by the end of this year. Its direct competitor, the Mahindra Thar is already going through road tests for the new generation model as seen in spy pictures.
The engine is also expected to be updated with a BSVI compliant engine. The engine on the outgoing Gurkha is a BSIV compliant 2.2-litre, common rail diesel engine with 16-valves DOHC which produces 140 HP of power and a peak torque of 321 Nm mated to a Mercedes derived G32 5-speed gearbox.
The Force Motors Gurkha has off-road capabilities with a low ratio transfer case with differential locks on both the front and rear axles, a 44-degree approach angle, 30-degree ramp/break over angle and a 40-degree departure angle. Both axles on the Gurkha are rigid live axles.
The exterior dimensions of the Force Gurkha are as follows – the Length is 3992mm, Width is 1820mm, Height is 2075mm and has a Wheelbase of 2400mm. The chassis on the Gurkha is a C on C ladder type and gets updated Multi-link with pan hard rod & coiled springs with hydraulic telescopic shock-absorbers and an anti-roll bar on both the front and rear axles.
The new Gurkha is expected to be unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo along with the new generation Mahindra Thar.