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Old 29th April 2024, 21:48   #31
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Re: 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review

After trying multiple times to become a member over nearly a decade (more like 9 years or so), my membership was finally accepted . Thank you moderator(s)

Coming to the 2024 model, I have been a big fan of the vehicle since the Trax days, so my views will be very biased.
I am glad Force has uprated the engine. I have driven the 2021 Gurkha offroad once and it had good crawling ability. It surprised me on a much steeper incline than what Force had arranged during this event. Ofcouse older Mahindras would probably make it look like a cakewalk, but may not be the newer ones. I hope in satisfying the power needs, the Gurkha hasn't lost this ability.
For everyone who are complaining about the quality, firstly, you are right, but remember, Force has to do with limited resources for R&D. Gurkha sells in very limited numbers, and any additional investment they do, will probably not be recovered from this model. So I am not surprised they just randomly added parts already available in the market. But hey, as long as it works, no?

Among the changes I wish Force does is, first, offer an automatic option. I personally still prefer a manual, but AT(the speedo does have D-N-R indicator, is this a hint?) will certainly aid sales in this day and age. May be source an Aisin TC. They already make one for Scorpio, its a robust transmission and shouldn't be very hard to tune it for the Gurkha IMO.

They should also offer the 5-door with just 5 seats. Ditch the last row captain seats, offer a reclining, split folding bench instead, and move it further back for additional leg room and usable boot. (I assume lesser seats would mean possibly a lower tax bracket, hence lower price?)

All said and done, the 2024 Gurkha is far from perfect, but for someone like me who is fine with these niggles / misses, I think its good enough. I hope it finds more buyers this time around. Force has a long way to match up to its rivals in terms of after sales, but I think they have been improving over the years and they have come a long way in that aspect.
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Old 30th April 2024, 01:44   #32
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Re: 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review

While I was watching the Gurkha reviews, I felt that something about the speedo console looked familiar but I couldn't place my finger on it, until I read one of the comments stating that the console has an uncanny resemblance to one on the Kiger. Yes, the outer shape is different but the layout and TFT look very similar. Ofcourse its not the same, but still. Anyways check this out.
2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review-gurkhakigermeters.jpg

On a different note, I observed that the rear legroom for the middle passenger was very limited owing to the design. So I took the liberty of my world class photoshop skills and did this

2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review-gurkharearlegroom.jpg

If Force could have moved the cup holders to where the older 4x4 gear lever was, they could have just provided one cup/bottle holder next to the handbrake and may be ended the console much ahead, they could have liberated noticeable space for the middle passenger feet.

Last edited by moralfibre : 30th April 2024 at 02:17. Reason: Removing note to mod.
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Old 30th April 2024, 02:16   #33
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Re: 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review

Ignoring all its nuances, in one word, the 5 door is SEXY. The 3 door, to me, always appeared comical, read disproportionate. This one can sell solely on looks. The segment it caters to is more inclined towards road presence, rather than fit/finish or premium feel. On that part, the 5 door actually seems to be perfect.
Maybe this one sets the tone for what we can expect in the next generation? ��
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Old 30th April 2024, 04:28   #34
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Re: 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review

In a market used to the comfort and refinement levels of a Thar, Jimny and all the pseudo SUV's, I think the Gurkha will remain a niche product and a hard sell for Force.

This update almost reminds me of the ultra modern and capable Ineos Grenadier. I feel like some design cues (Inside and out) have been taken from this vehicle and that vehicle sits at the higher end of the off road market with a engine supplied from BMW (Force makes engines for BMW right?).

In many ways, I am glad a petrol engine isn't on offer. For something this heavy, I think even the diesel will be thirsty.

Nice detailed review
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Old 30th April 2024, 09:33   #35
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Re: 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review

Totally agree with @GTO. AT would be perfect, and will that hopefully mean a peppier machine with the tweaks? The hill driving capability is important, considering the places we go with this kind of machine. I am still at a loss to find a suitable replacement to the LWB Pajero (though its comfort is a different league) that suits my travels. Given a capable ride, I am willing to compromise on creature comfort, cos any amount of that while driving in the places I do has not mattered!
Looking forward Gurkha!
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Old 30th April 2024, 11:09   #36
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Re: 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review

By launch of the new Force Gurkha with re-tuned engine outputs, can we expect good deals on used Gurkhas
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Old 30th April 2024, 12:17   #37
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Re: 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pradzz View Post
If Force could have moved the cup holders to where the older 4x4 gear lever was, they could have just provided one cup/bottle holder next to the handbrake and may be ended the console much ahead, they could have liberated noticeable space for the middle passenger feet.
Cup holders are there because of the hand brake mechanism and brackets cant Photoshop that in real world.

They had to cover that setup by cover so they added cup holders in it simple as that.

This is what they provide in 4x2 version.
Name:  Screenshot 20240430 at 122206 Force Trax Cruiser Deluxe.png
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Last edited by jeepster : 30th April 2024 at 12:25.
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Old 30th April 2024, 12:31   #38
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Re: 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review

Was it ever a competition to mighty (and beautiful) Thar?
And in this day and age they still do not have an AT.
Unbelievable.
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Old 30th April 2024, 12:33   #39
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Re: 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review

Great review.
With the launch of new Gurkha, now we have some nice options of rugged 4x4's to choose below 20 Lakhs.
Gurkha is very capable off road. Drool worthy with factory fitted snorkel and diff locks.
Bonus, It will just dwarf the Thar in size.

Wish they price it competitively and grow the Gurkha tribe.

I understand that the interiors are not up to the league. But it is Force motors and they have come a long way here.

Not sure many remember, years back (2006-2007) just to get Force to sell you a Gurkha was difficult. You had to have contacts to get one.

Yes Gurkha is on sale from around 2005!

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/4x4-v...good-gets.html (Trax Gurkha - As good as it gets??)
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Old 30th April 2024, 12:59   #40
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Re: 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review

Quote:
Originally Posted by jeepster View Post
Cup holders are there because of the hand brake mechanism and brackets cant Photoshop that in real world.

They had to cover that setup by cover so they added cup holders in it simple as that.

This is what they provide in 4x2 version.
Attachment 2600753 Attachment 2600754

This image is from PhantomLord's ownership thread. Correct me if I am wrong, but this shows the extended casing is not really required.
2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review-shifterfromright.jpeg

From what I can see the handbrake mechanism ends almost just below the beginning of the lever and what I photoshopped should still be possible I think.
2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review-gurkharearlegroom-line.jpg
That said I am no expert, far from it actually.

Last edited by Pradzz : 30th April 2024 at 13:15.
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Old 30th April 2024, 14:11   #41
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Re: 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review

Good to see Force making the effort. But something that I fail to understand- India now being an automobile hub and loads of OEM suppliers, how difficult is it to make a finished product which is nearly at par with the the competitors? Why wait for another iteration and couple of years to get on to a footing where your product can compete?

Other than that, it was a trip down the memory lane. The drive select was last seen on Tata Safari. I've a feeling that even the roof mounted AC is from Safari parts bin.

In life, effort alone don't get you any points, outcome is the key. I have to say Force has failed again in that aspect. Unless, of course they don't see this product being a success, but just wish to keep their presence.
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Old 30th April 2024, 16:51   #42
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Re: 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review

2024 Force Gurkha 3-Door and 5-Door

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Old 30th April 2024, 17:42   #43
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Re: 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review

I am hoping better second row seats (reclining seats with fore/aft slide) and removable third row seats become available either through Force or as an aftermarket accessory. The 5 door looks good otherwise - the difficulty noted in the review of getting the vehicle to 80kmph is bothersome though with most of our divided highways' speed limit at 80kmph. One will be forced to chug along with the "tour" vehicles.
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Old 1st May 2024, 01:33   #44
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Re: 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review

Love this thing. Brute. The vehicle is hardcore 4x4 so the inconvenience like very tall floor may not be a problem for off-roading buyer (and who already has other cars) but a cost effective, Force made retractable stepboard as an optional accessory would solve one major issue with this vehicle and make it more appealing to wider audience.
After all don't majority of buyers go for SUVs for looks than outright capabilities?

Like the one below.

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Old 1st May 2024, 23:06   #45
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Re: 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door Review

Quote:
Originally Posted by Venkatesh View Post
Didn’t they have budget for a proper TVC ? Graphical representation looks very timid when compared to competition.
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