A relatively unknown nameplate, Force Gurkha carries quite the fame in India. Yes, we know that it does look like a normalized iteration of the G-Class, and frankly, even Force isn't denying the resemblance. Force has taken considerable motivation from the Merc in making the Gurkha which is a true-blue off-roader with some serious capabilities.
And calling it an Indianized version of the G-Class is not inappropriate as it does use the engine and gearbox combination from the 80s Merc G-Class. What makes the new Force Gurkha so special is the fact that it's all-new and gets a load of features as compared to the equally capable outgoing model. Everything from the chassis to the cabin, to the features, is all-new and Force has done all this without meddling with the Gurkha's impressive off-roading capabilities.
The Gurkha nameplate also has a very valuable position in the Indian Army and that feat gives it another badge of honor among civilians as well. The iconic boxy form-factor and impressive off-roading abilities make the Force Gurkha a serious contender to the likes of the all-new Mahindra Thar that was launched recently. The lifestyle SUV segment is getting heated up in India.
The all-new Force Gurkha is a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen fanboy that packs some serious off-roading mettle, backed with a rich heritage.
A Brief On What Makes The Force Gurkha So Iconic
We are familiar with the Mahindra Roxor and the fuss it created because of the lawsuit that it had with Jeep. Well, back in its homeland India, Mahindra is known glamorously for the Mahindra Thar. But the Thar also has an arch-nemesis called the Force Gurkha. But Force Gurkha has the mettle that traces its roots back to 1997 when the Indian military got a very capable LSV with the "Trax" badging.
It was not until 2015 that civilians would finally get the toned-down version of this off-roader called the Gurkha. Its dart-ready off-roading capabilities made it quite famous with not just the Indian Army but also those of Africa and Angola.
2021 Force Gurkha Packs A Merc-Sourced Engine
The Mercedes-Benz connection for the Force Gurkha runs skin deep. We say this because its engine is a relatively known name in the automotive world. It packs a 2.6-liter diesel OM611 engine which was the first Mercedes-Benz sourced engine to be put in a passenger vehicle under full technology transfer in India.
This is quite an old fire-breather that has its lineage back to the 80s. It pumps out a humble 90 HP @ 3,200 RPM and 184.3 lb-ft @ 2,400 RPM. It comes coupled with 5-Speed manual gearbox that in turn attaches to an active 4WD system. This engine has a lot of grunts but better to keep the revs low where it is lively!
An All-New Vehicle, But The Same Old Off-Roading Prowess
The most famed part of the all-new Force Gurkha just like its predecessor is its off-roading prowess. This thing is extremely capable off the roads and that is what has kept it relatively afloat even among technologically superior offerings like the Mahindra Thar. It is built on a ladder-on-frame layout with double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension with coil springs all around. It gets hydraulic steering and the 4X4 system is GOLD off the roads.
Talking of which. it gets individual differential locks for the front and rear axles which allows for you to drive this off-roader with just one wheel traction also. The Gurkha is top-heavy, sluggish and a pain to drive on the roads, but when it comes to no roads, this thing doesn't compromise a bit!
2021 Force Gurkha Exterior Packs A Lot Of Its Legacy
The Force Gurkha is called "Desi G-Wagon" in India with 'Desi' being a local synonym for "Being Indian". And it flaunts this tag with pride. The boxy form factor and the clam-shell hood are all reminiscent of the iconic G-Wagen. And for the all-new 2021 MY, the Force Gurkha has been made a much more handsome version of the G-Class yet again. Starting from the bring orange paint job (one of 3) to the ring LED DRLs, the Force Gurkha embraces its Merc connection quite well.
One aspect that has drastically improved over the last-gen Gurkha is the fit and finish. The front fascia has a bold grille that is chromed out with "Gurkha" and the snorkel intake along with the roof pannier comes standard from the factory. The ride is so tall that even the step ladder is fitted from the factory for easy ingress and egress. It is impressive of Force to have managed to keep the classic form factor intact while modernizing everything around it.
2021 Force Gurkha Interior Is Utilitarian And Rugged
There is nothing much special about the cabin and it is all inclined towards being utilitarian. There is no plushness or luxury, but what you get is a very spacious 4 seater layout in this 3-door format. There is ample headroom in both rows.
And you are treated to a bare-minimum technology package that includes a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that packs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is an aftermarket Kenwood system and so is a tire-pressure readout unit fixed to the right of the driver.
The New Force Gurkha Is Made For No Roads
The Force Gurkha is by no means a modern machine. But it is excellent at what it does, and that is pure unadulterated off-roading. Ironically, it reminds us of what the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen used to be and how its iconic name came about. The Gurkha is rough around the edges has an outdated diesel powertrain and is still playing catch-up with the competition. It might not even fare profits for the automaker, but the emotional quotient is quite high with this one, and there is no substitute for that.
Sources: Forcegurkha.co.in, Evoindia.com, Carwale.com, Team-bhp.com, Youtube.com