The launch of the updated Force Gurkha, which is coming in 3-door and 5-door form, is imminent, and the brand has released another teaser confirming what the interior will look like, and a number of features that will be on offer. While the teaser only show the Gurkha 5-door, the 3-door version is highly likely to get the same level of kit.
- Gurkha 5-door to get seven-seat layout
- Gets digital driver display, large infotainment touchscreen, auto start-stop
- Safety kit to include traction control, hill assist, TPMS and more
New Force Gurkha: 2024 interior highlights
Based on the teaser, one can see that the dash layout is quite similar to the outgoing model, though there seems to be a storage space with a lid above the new infotainment touchscreen. The screen seems to be larger than the one 7.0-inch one available earlier. In addition, Force Motors seems to have gone to Renault’s supplier for digital instrument clusters as the unit seems to be quite familiar, though it does seem to have more features to display.
While spy shots had confirmed the Gurkha 5-door’s seven-seat layout, the company’s teaser confirms the presence of a middle row bench and two captain chairs at the back. Other than the aforementioned bits, the updated Gurkha’s cabin seems to be the same as its predecessor, from the steering wheel to the seats.
New Force Gurkha: 2024 feature, safety kit
Another feature now confirmed by Force Motors is the shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, which replaces the comparatively cumbersome lever that had to be used, and is positioned on the opposite side of the front power window buttons; both are placed on either side of the 5-speed manual gear’s lever. The diff-lock handles are still positioned slightly ahead of the gear.
From what the new Gurkha’s digital instrument cluster reveals, it seems like SUV is getting quite a bit more kit and safety features. There’s a new tyre pressure monitor system (which replaces the rather after-market TPMS available earlier) that seems to also show the pressure of the spare tyre mounted on the tailgate. That’s a feature only seen in the likes of the Land Rover Defender. In addition to the previously available dual airbags, speed-sensing door locks (and warnings) and rear parking sensors, the Gurkha will now get traction control and hill assist.
New Force Gurkha: 2024 mechanical changes
Mechanically, there are also minor changes. The Mercedes-sourced 2.6-litre diesel engine and 5-speed manual gearbox continue, but there’s an auto stop-system that should improve the new Gurkha’s mileage figures and, in order to meet BS6 2.0 norms, the SUV now requires AdBlue.
New Force Gurkha: 2024 price, rivals
Considering the amount of new features, expect Gurkha 3-door prices to increase over the older model’s Rs 15.10 lakh (ex-showroom) starting price. That’ll mean Gurkha 5-door prices will, understandably, be pegged even higher; about Rs 1-1.5 lakh higher. The larger SUV will compete against the Maruti Jimny (Rs 12.74 lakh-14.79 lakh) at first – it is the only other 5-door lifestyle SUV currently on sale in the mass market.
However, the Mahindra Thar 5-door, which may come with the Thar Armada moniker, will be a more direct rival that will arrive by the middle of this year with an expected price of Rs 16 lakh, ex-showroom. The Gurkha 3-door will continue to face-off against the standard Mahindra Thar.
Also see:
Force Gurkha vs Mahindra Thar comparison
Force Gurkha based Spartan 2.0 EV SUV breaks cover
