Force Motors has updated Gurkha for 2017 model year in India with minor cosmetic changes as well as mechanical changes, available in two trims – Xpedition at Rs 8.13 lakh and Xplorer at Rs 9.13 lakh, ex-Maharashtra. You can buy the updated Gurkha in a 3- or 5-door configuration with a soft-top or a hard-top roof option.
2017 Force Gurkha Xplorer 3-Door
Compared to the outgoing model, the noticeable changes on 2017 Gurkha is the front-fascia with new grille, redesigned headlamps, and the round fog lamps stationed in the new off-roading bumper look elegant. At the back, it gets rectangular taillamps shedding the round ones for more rugged looks. The rear bumper has also become thinner and overall; the Gurkha looks much better than its predecessor.
The overall design remains familiar to the previous model. It retains the turn-indicators on the top on the front bonnet as well as a factory fitted snorkel intake for better water wading capabilities of up-to 550mm, unmatched by any other vehicle in this category. The Gurkha rides on 16-inch All-terrain tyres wrapped around in steel coloured alloy wheels.
The hard-top now comes with the option of a manual HVAC system for the first time.
On the inside, the changes to the cabin include a new 4-spoke steering wheel, a redesigned floor console with cubby holes, new gear knob and new air-con controls on the centre console. While the speedometer and odo are mounted right in the line of vision of the driver, the tachometer is placed in the centre. The seats and upholstery too have been revised.
The Xpedition is the entry-level model and doesn’t get 4×4. It is available only in the hard-top and 5-door body style with 6- or an 8-seat configuration, excluding the driver. This 5-door version also is 350mm longer to accommodate the side facing seats at the rear. The Xplorer is available in both 3- and 5-door body styles with the 3-door also getting the choice of a soft-top roof.
2017 Force Gurkha Xpedition 5-Door
Force Motors haven’t made any changes to the Mercedes OM 616 derived, 2.6-litre Turbo Charged inter-cooled, direct injection diesel engine that develops 84 bhp at 3200 rpm and 230 Nm of peak torque paired with a new 5-speed manual gearbox sending power to either the rear or all-four wheels. The diesel engine is now compliant with BS-IV emission norms.
The 5-door version of both the Xpedition as well as the Xplorer comes with a ground clearance of 190mm while the 3-door has a 205mm ground clearance, the latter has a lower turning radius of 5.65m compared to 6.25m on the 5-doors versions.
To read more on Force Motors, Click here
Also see: Force Motors launches all-new Gurkha SUV at Rs. 6.25 lakh
GALLERY: 2017 Force Gurkha Xplorer
GALLERY: 2017 Force Gurkha Xpedition
