2024 Force Gurkha: Off-Road Mastery Meets Urban Agility

The 2024 Force Gurkha, known for its robust off-road capabilities, has been updated with both three-door and five-door variants to cater to a broader market. This review explores how the new five-door Gurkha, priced starting at approximately Rs 15.10 lakh, performs in urban settings despite its off-road design focus.

Design and Updates:

The new Gurkha sports a rugged design, featuring a honeycomb nose grille that replaces the older flat plastic version, and a sturdy front bumper with integrated fog lamps that also serve as cornering lights. It retains its iconic LED headlights and distinctive circular LED DRLs. Both the three-door and the more spacious five-door models come with new 18-inch alloy wheels, a snorkel, footboard, and substantial side cladding. A rear parking camera and sensors enhance its functionality.

Dimensions and Capabilities:

The five-door Gurkha is notably longer, with dimensions supporting its expanded capacity — 4,390mm in length and a wheelbase of 2,825mm. It boasts impressive off-road stats such as a 37-degree departure angle and a 700mm water wading capacity. The vehicle’s 233mm ground clearance and rugged suspension are tailored for challenging terrains, though it now also features a reduced turning radius for improved urban manoeuvrability.

Interior and Comfort:

Inside, the Gurkha remains basic with a commercial vehicle feel, despite some upgrades. The cabin features a new 9-inch Nippon touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital 7-inch instrument cluster with a tire pressure monitoring system, and basic but improved air conditioning. The driving position is commanding, though ergonomics suffer due to a large, intrusive steering wheel. The five-door variant offers seven seats, with captain seats in the third row and a bench in the second row, though space is slightly compromised by the wheel arches.

Driving Experience:

The Gurkha is powered by an updated 2.6-litre diesel engine, producing 138 bhp and 320 Nm of torque. The engine is responsive at low speeds with abundant low-end torque, although it can get noisy under strain. Despite its bulk, the vehicle handles city traffic well, aided by a light clutch and an auto start-stop system, though it lacks an automatic transmission option.

The 2024 Force Gurkha is more refined than its predecessors, offering new features such as electrically adjustable ORVMs, enhanced safety with rear sensors, and a more user-friendly infotainment system. However, it still falls short in interior quality and ergonomics. Potential buyers might consider waiting for the upcoming Mahindra Thar 5-door, which promises better interiors and additional features. Despite its enhancements, the Gurkha remains a niche vehicle best suited for off-road enthusiasts rather than everyday city drivers.