Scoop: Force Gurkha BS-IV spotted testing at Khardung La

Thank you to BHPian codelust for sharing these images with other enthusiasts.

A couple of test mules of the Force Gurkha were spotted at the Khardung La pass in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. The two vehicles were heavily wired and one of them had its bonnet open. The drivers revealed that these were test mules of the BS-IV version of the Gurkha.

At present, the Gurkha is only available with a 2,596cc, 4-cylinder, turbocharged, diesel engine that complies with BS-III emission norms. The engine produces 80 BHP @ 3,200 rpm and 230 Nm of torque @ 1,800-2,000 rpm and is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The vehicle also has a four-wheel drive system with a low ratio gearbox, making it appealing to off-road enthusiasts.

However, the engine's inability to comply with stricter emission norms means that it cannot be sold in tier 1 cities in India. With the engine updates, Force Motors will try to broaden the appeal of the Gurkha.