2017 Force Gurkha Launched At Rs 8.38 Lakh

Force Motors has just given its most known product, the Gurkha, a major refresh (we had spotted it testing some time ago). The Gurkha can now be had in two models - Gurkha Xplorer (3-door/5-door) and Gurkha Xpedition (5-door). The Force Gurkha Xplorer will retail for Rs 9.35 lakh while the Gurkha Xpedition has been priced at Rs 8.38 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi).

What are the changes on the new models? For starters, both models get a revised front profile courtesy the new steel front bumper and fog lamps. There is also a factory-fitted snorkel that the new Gurkha proudly flaunts now. The 2.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel unit makes 85PS of power and 230Nm of peak torque and is now BS IV-compliant. Transmission duties are handled by a new 5-speed manual gearbox, that sends power to all four wheels in the Xplorer variant, and the rear wheels in the Xpedition variant.

The Gurkha Xplorer can be had in soft-top and hardtop body styles while the Xpedition model is available in hardtop style only. The new Gurkha ditches its leaf-spring rear suspension setup for a multi-link type with pan hard rod. In theory, this should make for a more comfortable ride on the road in the new Gurkha. However, since it is an extreme off-road vehicle, you would be more interested in its off-road capabilities than on-road smoothness.

Inside, the Gurkha gets a new centre console and the Xplorer hardtop variants get factory-fitted air-conditioning as well. The Xplorer can be had as a 5-,6- or an 8-seater, whereas the Xpedition can be specced to accommodate either 7 or 9 passengers, including the driver. Both cars get a new four-spoke steering wheel too. Do all these changes make the new Gurkha Xplorer and Xpedition worthy on and off-road companions? How does the new Gurkha stack up against its rival, the Mahindra Thar? Well, that is something only a detailed review can tell.

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