[indian21r]

We have few sites coming up where during rains, a tractor feels like the best vehicle to own. Having previously used the Thar in the DI avatar way back in 2011-12 period, I wanted to explore the currently 4wd as full time use vehicle. Thar seemed to do a decent job in this mold.

But the Gurkha Extreme looks extremely tempting. I asked for a test drive in Hyderabad for the explorer. I want to see if I can live with the stone age vehicle. Once the extreme launches will drive that as well

Just wish Suzuki Jimny would launch here. I would snap it instantly. No need to convince the family here.

[condor]

Was passing by the Force show-room / Service centre in Yeshwantpur. There was a Gurkha on display. Could not check it - may be sometime I will go there.

( The place is behind KLE Dental College hospital, on a side road before we climb the elevated road to go towards Nelamangala)

[bikertillidie]

Test drove the latest Gurkha Expedition 4x2 version yesterday. It happened quite by accident, while speaking to a driver employed by the local Force Motors dealership. They were very courteous and promptly routed my expression of interest to the sales team.

The engine felt really refined. There was absolutely no noise to be heard with the windows rolled up and the blower running at 1. The air-conditioning was quite effective.

With the windows rolled down, there was minimum hum audible.

The engine didn't feel low on power at any stage but then I never got a chance to accelerate past 80 kph. It accelerated well and felt torquey.

The cable operated gear lever felt like that of a modern car, it was easy to operate/albeit a bit stiff as it was a new vehicle.

The dashboard was utilitarian but well put together. Reminded me of my first generation Maruti gypsy, only more functional.

The matting on floor could be better

Suspension was superb - I drove both on smooth tarmac and the worst sort of potholes (thanks to monsoons). There was absolutely no discomfort at any stage.

In summary, I was really impressed (and I have driven a Thar owned by a friend extensively).

Now, only if I could persuade the Mrs to agree to another purchase

[JediKnight]

Originally Posted by bikertillidie

In summary, I was really impressed (and I have driven a Thar owned by a friend extensively).

Now, only if I could persuade the Mrs to agree to another purchase

Am too considering this. I was going through the specs and one thing that really bothered me is the whooping 6.25 meter turning radius of the 5 door version. It will be real pain to pilot this on my office commute where i have to take some tight U-turns. The 3 door version has a more manageable 5.65 meter but three doors is not practical for day to day use.

[4x4addict]

Originally Posted by JediKnight

I was going through the specs and one thing that really bothered me is the whooping 6.25 meter turning radius of the 5 door version.

I too noticed this and had posted the same in another Gurkha thread. I don't understand why a medium wheel base vehicle should have 6.25 meters. My old Ford Endeavour Thunder plus had 6.0 meters and it was a royal pain in cities and in crowded areas. I wonder if it is a typo? for comparision the Montero is 5.7 meters and the new Fortuner is similar.

[rubberwagon]

I really wonder if they were certain and tested the 550MM wading depth.
That giant chrome snorkel should mean something.
I want the Xtreme edition but I need to know for certain that all specs are tested and the service centres are certain of it.

[Parm]

Why the exhaust pipe is on the right side of the vehicle and not at the rear?

Any ideas?

[roy_libran]

Originally Posted by Parm

Why the exhaust pipe is on the right side of the vehicle and not at the rear?

Any ideas?

Hahaha. Idiosyncratic actually - typical Force!

The side mounted location is preferable for two reasons-
1. To give the vehicle a greater departure angle
2. To prevent the exhaust gases being pulled back into the vehicle due to turbulence and low pressure behind the vehicle

For a Hard Top Gurkha (1) might apply, but (2) absolutely does not.
In the 6 years that I had the earlier Gurkha I never banged the tail pipe (@ the tail) so don't think (1) is terribly important either.

But then may the 'Force' be with you

[Steeroid]

Originally Posted by Parm

Why the exhaust pipe is on the right side of the vehicle and not at the rear?

Any ideas?

G Wagon.

@ Force.

[Parm]

Copy & Paste!

Wrangler, Defender, Jimny, Toyota LC70 etc. all have exhaust at the rear and not the side, shows that the departure angle is not an issue with them!

Anyway it's FORCE MOTORS vehicle and let the FORCE be with them.

@ Roy, nice to see you on an episode of WHEELOCITY on the out skirts of NOIDA, with your trusty GURKHA.

Safe Driving.

[gunin]

A few weeks back, we drove to Sandakphu in a group which included 3 Gurkhas besides my Bolero 4wd, a Thar CRDe, a Gypsy and a MM550. Although I couldn't drive the Gurkha, I have the following impressions from driving together:

1. On the highways, the Gurkha is way quicker than my Bolero DI turbo. It easily keeps pace with the Thar CRDe.

2. Much more spacious than my Bolero. The seats look comfortable.

3. The 3 Gurkhas made it to Sandakphu without much difficulty. Although, all 3 had cold starting problems in the morning.

If the Gurkha proves to be as reliable as my Bolero, I believe it is a worthy upgrade in terms of power and comfort.

Some pics from the Sandakphu drive:

[GTO]

Looks smoking hot in person! WOW. I think I spent like 30 minutes just drooling over it. If only Force could build it to higher standards & offer reliable after-sales support:

[bikertillidie]

Originally Posted by GTO

Looks smoking hot in person! WOW. I think I spent like 30 minutes just drooling over it. ...

Likewise.

Was on the verge of signing a cheque for a 5 door expedition a few months ago, until the dashboard and interiors forced a rethink.

I don't mind picking up a used one though.

Force seems to have got the looks and mechanicals just right.

Time to find another Pratap Bose & team for the interiors.

[4x4addict]

Originally Posted by bikertillidie

Was on the verge of signing a cheque for a 5 door expedition a few months ago, until the dashboard and interiors forced a rethink.

The dashboard and center console is a big let down for both the 3/5 Door versions. The turning radius of the 5-Door is huge for a medium wheel base vehicle. Also the 85 bhp engine will surely struggle if the 5-Door is loaded up.

[bikertillidie]

Well, the engine had seemed quite torquey during the test drive, despite being rated as such.

But a more powerful engine wouldn't hurt either.

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

The dashboard and center console is a big let down for both the 3/5 Door versions. The turning radius of the 5-Door is huge for a medium wheel base vehicle. Also the 85 bhp engine will surely struggle if the 5-Door is loaded up.