Fact Check: The Force Gurkha Automatic Transmission Won’t Be Introduced In India Anytime Soon

Quick Highlights 

• Force Gurkha automatic launch denied by the company.

• It will continue to come as a manual-only offering. 

• Gurkha is powered by a 140PS 2.6-litre diesel engine. 

• Prices start from Rs 16.75 lakh onwards (ex-showroom). 

Force India won’t be introducing the Gurkha with an automatic transmission anytime soon. The news comes after rising speculation that the off-roader will get a two-pedal setup to take on competition. This news means the Gurkha will continue to be offered with a manual transmission only for the foreseeable period. 

Commenting on the same, Force Motors said, “ We have noted the recent speculation regarding the potential launch of the Gurkha in an automatic transmission variant. While we appreciate the interest and enthusiasm from our community and stakeholders, we cannot confirm such news at this moment. The development of new vehicle variants, especially involving major changes like an automatic transmission, could require a timeline of 18-24 months to ensure we meet our high standards of quality and performance.”

Force Gurkha: Why We Feel It Should Get An Automatic Gearbox?

With the recent updates, the Gurkha now gets a more powerful 140 PS 2.6-litre diesel engine, teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission. To complement with the added sense of convenience and practicality the 5-door Gurkha now brings to the table, we feel Force India should be offering the Gurkha with an automatic transmission. 

We feel at the price point the Gurkha comes at (Rs 16.75 lakh to Rs 18 lakh) and the Force being a lifestyle vehicle, we feel it should have come with an automatic to make it all the more appealing. 

Its rivals – the Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny – both come with an optional automatic option. And while it’s the buyer's preference of which transmission they will be picking, it's great that the Gurkha’s rivals offer it as a choice, unlike the Force.

Force Gurkha: Features Onboard 

Top features on the Force Gurkha include a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, manual AC, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, power windows and keyless entry. Passenger safety is taken care of by dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and a tyre pressure monitoring system. 

Force Gurkha: Price And Rivals 

The new Force Gurkha is priced at Rs 16.75 lakh for the three-door version and Rs 18 lakh for the five-door model. It is a larger alternative to the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, while going up against the Mahindra Thar and upcoming Thar 5-door.