Force Motors is planning to introduce a rear-wheel-drive variant of the 3-door Gurkha SUV in India soon, according to several industry reports. Last month, the company launched the all-new 5-door Gurkha alongside the improved 3-door variant in India, priced at Rs 18 lakh and Rs 16.75 lakh, respectively. It is now ready to introduce an RWD version of the SUV, which currently comes with four-wheel drive (4WD) as standard. Although an official announcement is pending, the new edition is expected to be less expensive than its 4WD sibling. It will compete with the Mahindra Thar RWD, which costs between Rs 11.35 lakh and Rs 14.10 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Also Read: Mahindra Thar vs New Force Gurkha Spec Comparison: Which One Should You Buy?
Force Gurkha 4X2 Variant: What to Expect?
The Gurkha's entry-level 4x2 variant is likely to cost around Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom). It will not alter mechanically, which means you will get the same 2.6-litre diesel engine that powers the 4WD model, delivering 138bhp and 320Nm with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Features-wise, the RWD variant will retain dual front airbags, rear parking sensors, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Though the company hasn't made any official announcements, the Gurkha 4x2's potential release in India broadens the options available to SUV aficionados in our market who do not prefer 4X4 equipment. The RWD model is expected to go on sale in India later this year.
Also Read: Force Gurkha 5-Door Review: Old School Brawn Meets New Age Comfort
Force Gurkha 5-Door
The new 5-door Gurkha costs Rs 1.25 lakh more than its 3-door counterpart. Its style is similar to its upgraded sibling, with a redesigned grille with Gurkha lettering, fender-mounted turn indicators, circular LED headlights with daytime running lights (DRLs), fog lights with cornering function, and a snorkel. It also mirrors the boxy shape and body lines of the Gurkha 3-door. Dimensionally, the Gurkha 5-door is 425mm longer and 15mm taller than the 3-door variant, measuring 2,095mm in height (without a roof carrier). Moreover, it has a greater wheelbase at 2,825mm, compared to the 3-door's 2,400mm. Besides this, all other dimensions are the same.
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