Force Gurkha 5-door has finally launched at Rs 18 lakh
New Delhi: The new Force Gurkha has finally launched in India – the new Gurkha 5-door is priced at Rs 18 lakh, while the updated Gurkha 3-door costs Rs 16.75 lakh. Bookings had commenced on April 29, though the brand has now specified that an amount of Rs 25,000 is required. Force Motors says despatches to dealers shall commence this week and test drives and deliveries to customers shall start from mid-May.
New Force Gurkha price, rivals
In the Indian automotive market, the Gurkha stands as a formidable contender, particularly in comparison to its primary counterpart, the Mahindra Thar. Presently, the Mahindra Thar, available solely in a three-door configuration, competes closely with the Gurkha. However, notable distinctions emerge between the two offerings.
Mahindra’s lifestyle SUV, the Thar, presents consumers with a range of options including a petrol engine variant, 2WD capabilities, and automatic transmission alternatives. Conversely, the Gurkha is exclusively available in diesel-manual form, featuring 4WD as standard across its lineup. Notably, at a price point of Rs 16.75 lakh, the Gurkha 3-door variant commands a premium of Rs 1.75 lakh over the entry-level Thar AX Optional 4WD model.
Furthermore, the Gurkha’s 5-door iteration currently lacks a direct competitor, pending the arrival of the anticipated Thar 5-door variant, rumored to be named the Thar Armada. A significant enhancement to the Gurkha’s appeal lies in its upgraded powertrain—a 2.6-litre Mercedes-sourced diesel engine now boasting 140hp and 320Nm of torque, a substantial improvement over its prior output of 91hp. This places the Gurkha ahead in terms of power when juxtaposed with the Thar, which employs a 132hp, 2.2-litre diesel engine.
In addition to its robust performance, the Gurkha distinguishes itself with a host of advanced features. Noteworthy amenities include a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, powered outside rear-view mirrors (ORVMs), tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, rear camera functionality, and a tire pressure monitoring system. These enhancements bolster the Gurkha’s value proposition, effectively justifying its premium over the entry-level Thar variant.
In summary, the Gurkha emerges as a compelling choice in the Indian SUV market, offering superior performance and a comprehensive suite of features that elevate its appeal, particularly when compared to its closest competitor, the Mahindra Thar.
