Force Motors is readying a new version of the Gurkha SUV was the news since the long-time. Many of our readers might not be heard of Force Gurkha SUV because it was not a very popular off-roader in India. The Force Gurkha is based on the legendary Mercedes Benz G-Wagen’s genes, and was somewhat a legend until Force Motors mysteriously decided to simply discontinue this off-roader three years ago.
Coming back to 2013 Force Gurkha, Force Motors who had initially shelved the idea of bringing out a tough and sturdy SUV have now once again decided to launch the same. Also the brand, now has a new dedicated passenger vehicle division with the Force One SUV being the first product launched under this banner. This passenger vehicles division, which has its own chain of sales and service outlets is expected to spearhead sales of the facelifted Gurkha.
Now the firstever test-mule of the 2013 Gurkha has been spotted by OnCars.in reader named Satyajeet Bhaskare, near Pune. From the images, it’s evident that the new model takes a lot of inspiration from G-wagon like the round headlamps, bonnet-mounted blinkers, sporty roof rails and the redesigned side claddings. If you clearly observe, the alloy wheels you’ll notice it’s the similar one found in the Force One and wears the same 235/70 section road tyres.
The 2013 Gurkha is also expected to borrow the Mercedes Benz sourced, BS-IV 2.2-litre FMTech engine from the Force One and in that product, the engine produces a peak power of 140 Bhp and a peak torque of 320 Nm. The same engine and transmission combination is expected to be used on the new Gurkha as well, along with a 4×4 system which has also found its way into the Force One. However, it is unclear if things like ABS would make it to the Gurkha, but expect some large seats and air conditioning on this hardcore off-roader.
Besides this, Force Motors is also developing an 8-seater Mercedes Viano based MPV to compete against the Toyota Innova, Mahindra XYLO and the recently launched Nissan Evalia.
Checkout another picture below the jump.
Also see – New Force Trax expected to launch in mid-2012
Source – OnCars.in
