Force Preparing All New Version of Gurkha for 2020 Launch

• Published On: 28 June 2019
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Force working on updated version of Gurkha.

Force Gurkha is one among the most famous off-roading vehicles in India. However, the latest safety rules that are set to kick in will ensure that the Gurkha will have to make changes in the body structure in order to continue being sold in the market. Therefore, the company is all set to update its off-roading focused SUV in the market. The updated Force Gurkha will hit the Indian market around next year. This update will ensure that the long standing rivalry between the Force Gurkha and Mahindra Thar will also be renewed because Mahindra is also working on an all-new version of their Thar SUV.

The reports on internet suggest that the Indian company is working on a new version of the Gurkha. The new version will not only come with structural changes in the body but it will also be based on a new platform that will ensure that Gurkha meets all the upcoming norms. To let you know, the Gurkha currently comes with standard safety features such as ABS, speeding alert, driver & co-driver seatbelt reminder and rear parking sensors that make it compliant to the rules of the current form of BNVSAP. What is to be noted is that come October and new additions to the BNVSAP will take place that will make the Gurkha ineligible for sale in the market. The new additions to the safety rules will add crash test norms to the mix and the current version of Gurkha is not equipped to handle the crash test safety norms that will come into force from 1 October 2019.

Therefore, the company is gearing up to bring out an all new models of the Gurkha so that it follows the new norms that will be enforced on the aforementioned date. Apart from the safety upgrade the new version of Gurkha will also have to follow the emission rules that will be enforced from 2020. The company is also working on bringing a new engine to the Gurkha. The launch of the all-new model can take place as early as January next year.

The current version of Gurkha’s 2.2L will be updated to comply with upcoming BS-VI norms. A new 2.2L engine was introduced with the Xtreme variant of Gurkha and it was rated to deliver 140 Bhp and 321 Nm, which was a significant bump in figures. The new engine also comes mated to a new 5-speed manual gearbox. The engine on the Xtreme as well as the gearbox, both are sourced from Mercedes-Benz. Earlier, Force Gurkha used to come equipped with a 2.6L diesel engine rated to deliver 85 Bhp. The current version of Gurkha also comes with a 2.5 liter diesel engine option that is expected to be discontinued once the new emission norms kick in, and the new Gurkha will then be available with only a single engine option.