The Force Gurkha is a compact SUV produced by Indian manufacturer Force Motors.^[1] The original and second generation Gurkha are produced as two-door SUVs with options of a removable hard or soft top. Standard equipment includes mechanical differential locks for the front and rear axles, a snorkel that allows it to drive through water 700 mm deep, and a transfer case with low ratios.^[2]

The Gurkha was popularly known as the "Desi G-Wagen,"^[3][4] this vehicle has earned its nickname due to its striking resemblance to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. According to the official website, it boasts "a timeless appeal drawn from the legendary Mercedes G-Wagen".^[5][6] While paying homage to the legendary G-Wagen's robustness and off-road prowess, this vehicle establishes its unique identity within the domain of off-road vehicles through its distinctive design and features.

The First series of Gurkha variants were fitted with a 2.6-litre, intercooled Mercedes-Benz OM616 diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 2596cc.^[7]

The second series of Gurkha variant^[8] was fitted with a 2.6-litre, intercooled diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 2596cc. It was compliant with Bharat Stage III (BS3) emission standards and incorporated with a turbocharger. It enables the engine to churn out a maximum power of 80.4bhp at 3200rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 230Nm between 1800 and 2000rpm. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using a double overhead camshaft-based valve configuration. This power plant is integrated with a direct injection fuel supply system that helps in delivering 15 Kmpl approximately on the highways and about 10.5 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions. This diesel motor is skillfully coupled with a five-speed manual transmission gearbox, which helps it in attaining a top speed in the range of 130 to 140 km/h. At the same time, it can cross the speed barrier of 100 km/h in close to 17 seconds from a standstill.^[9]

The third series of Gurkha is available in three different variants Xplorer (3 door & 5 door),^[10] Xpedition (5 door)^[11] and the Xtreme (3 door).^[12] Comes with a new BS-IV compliant engine in addition to a host of changes. The off-roader can be ordered in both soft-top and hardtop versions, while you get sturdy bits like a steel bumper with foglamps as well as a factory-fitted snorkel intake for better water-wading capabilities.^[13]

The Gurkha Xplorer variant comes 3 door^[14] and 5 door^[15] have several similarities in terms of their specifications. Both variants are equipped with the same engine, which is a Mercedes-Benz OM616 4-cylinder, inline, TCIC Common Rail diesel engine with a displacement of 2596 cc. They both have a compression ratio of 16.5:1 and produce a maximum output of 85 hp at 3200 rpm, along with a maximum torque of 230 Nm at 1400 – 2400 rpm. Additionally, both variants have BS-IV emissions compliance.

In terms of transmission, both the Xplorer 3-door and 5-door share the same manual, synchromesh transmission with 5 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. They also have the same single lever selective 4x4 system with high-low options for the 4x4 case.

Both variants feature live axles with differential locks for the front and rear. This provides improved traction and off-road capability. However, there is a difference when it comes to the turning radius. The Xplorer 3 door has a turning radius of 5.65 m, while the Xplorer 5 door has a slightly larger turning radius of 6.25 m.

When it comes to dimensions, the Xplorer 3 door has a wheelbase of 2400 mm, an overall length of 3992 mm, an overall width of 1790 mm, and an overall height of 2055 mm. On the other hand, the Xplorer 5 door has a longer wheelbase of 2750 mm, a greater overall length of 4342 mm, but shares the same width and height as the 3-door variant.

In terms of weights, the maximum permissible GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) differs between the two variants. The Xplorer 3 door has a maximum permissible GVW of 2510 kg, while the Xplorer 5 door has a slightly higher maximum permissible GVW of 2775 kg.

The fuel tank capacity also differs between the two variants. The Xplorer 3 door has a fuel tank capacity of 41 litres, whereas the Xplorer 5 door has a larger fuel tank with a capacity of 63 litres.

The seating capacity also varies. The Xplorer 3-door and 5-door offer seating options in Hard Top configurations for 4+D (optional), 5+D, and 7+D (optional). However, the Xplorer 5 door also offers Soft Top configurations for the same seating capacities.

It shares many similarities with the Xplorer variants and comes in 5-door.^[16] The engine, emission standards, and maximum output remain the same as Xplorer.

In terms of axles, the Xpedition 5 door features a dead independent front axle and a live rigid rear axle which is a 2WD. This configuration may provide different handling characteristics compared to the live axles with differential locks found in the Xplorer variants.^[17]

The Xpedition 5 door has the same turning radius as the Xplorer 5-door, measuring 6.25 m. The dimensions, wheelbase, overall length, overall width, overall height, and ground clearance are also the same as the Xplorer 5 door.

The maximum permissible GVW of the Xpedition 5-door is 2650 kg, slightly higher than the Xplorer 5-door. The fuel tank capacity remains the same at 63 litres. The Xpedition 5 door provides seating options in Hard Top configurations for 6+D and 8+D.

Unlike the Xplorer and Xpedition versions, it has a 2.2-litre Mercedes-Benz OM611 4-cylinder diesel engine, delivering 140 horsepower and 321 Nm of torque. The vehicle features a 5-speed manual transmission and a single-lever selective 4x4 system for better off-road performance.

It is built to handle tough terrains with front and rear differential locks, a multi-link suspension system, and live rigid axles. The vehicle has power steering, a turning radius of 5.65 meters, and a robust C in C Ladder Type chassis.

Safety features include dual-circuit hydraulic vacuum-assisted service brakes, ABS, disc brakes in the front, and drum brakes in the rear. The vehicle comes with 245/70 R16 tyres. With a seating capacity of 5 plus the driver, it has a fuel tank capacity of 63.5 liters for long-distance travel.^[18][19]

Force has launched the new-gen Gurkha and in October 2021. The chassis is all-new, a ladder frame that has been designed to meet current crash test norms and verified by IDIADA in Spain and Ashimori of Japan.^[20] The Gurkha is equipped with an FM 2.6 CR CD BS VI engine with four cylinders and a displacement of 2596 CC. It delivers a maximum power of 67 kW (91 hp) at 3200 rpm and a maximum torque of 250 Nm at 1400-2400 rpm.^[21]

The transmission is a G28/5 manual synchromesh gear box with five forward gears and one reverse gear. The front axle is a live independent system, while the rear axle is a live rigid setup. Manual differential locks are available for both axles.

The suspension system consists of an independent double wishbone with coil springs at the front and a multi-link setup with a Pan hard rod and coil springs at the rear. The Gurkha is equipped with front anti-roll bar and shock absorbers, as well as a rear anti-roll bar.

Braking is handled by a dual circuit hydraulic brake system with vacuum assistance. The front brakes are discs, while the rear brakes are drums. The vehicle also features ABS and EBD for enhanced safety.

The steering is hydraulically assisted power steering with tilt and telescopic adjustments. The turning circle radius is 5.65 meters. The Gurkha rides on steel wheels and tubeless tyres sized at 245/70 R16.^[22]

In terms of capabilities, the Gurkha features an air intake snorkel and has a water wading capacity of 700 mm. It has a gradeability of 35 degrees in 4X4 mode.

The Gurkha offers seating for three passengers plus a driver and has a fuel tank capacity of 63 litres. The interior includes door trims with a dark grey theme, a floor console with bottle holders, moulded floor mats, and seat upholstery with a dark grey theme.

For infotainment, the Gurkha is equipped with a 17.78 cm after market touch screen, four speakers, USB, FM, and Bluetooth connectivity for music and calling. It also supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay.

In terms of safety, the Gurkha comes with airbags for the driver and co-driver, follow me home and lead me to Gurkha lighting, rear parking sensors, one-touch lane change indicators, cornering lamps, speed-sensing auto door locks, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. It also features front fog lamps and full LED headlamps with daytime running lights.

For comfort and convenience, the Gurkha offers captain seats with armrests for second-row passengers, a total cabin space of 3900 litres, and a luggage space of 500 liters. It also has multi-directional AC vents, power windows, central locking, a 12V accessories socket in the dashboard, dual USB sockets on the dashboard, and dual USB sockets for second-row passengers. Entry for second-row passengers is from the rear.

In terms of dimensions, the Gurkha has a wheelbase of 2400 mm, an overall length of 4116 mm, an overall width of 1812 mm, an overall height of 2075 mm, and front and rear track widths of 1490 mm and 1480 mm, respectively.^[23][24]

• Force Gurkha Official Website