Confirmed - Force Gurkha to launch on Feb 15

Force Motors today confirmed that it will launch the Gurkha on the 15th of February in New Delhi.

The official word on the specifications and prices have been put off till the time of launch, but a source with direct knowledge on the matter told Indian Autos Blog this week that an 82bhp BS3-spec Daimler-derived diesel engine would be bolted to the vehicle which will sport a feebly refreshed exterior and dual tone interiors.

The Gurkha's markets are primarily rural areas where the Force brand is trusted and loved deeply. The new addition will be retailed through its 25 personal vehicle dealerships, which will soon expand to 40 locations. Its not hard to see that its main competitor is the Mahindra Thar, which is available in BS3 and BS4 versions.

Some would-be customers of the Mahindra Bolero and the Tata Sumo could also end up driving away in a Gurkha as these are the only utilitarian vehicles in the sub-10 lakh price segment, and for long customers have been strapped for choice.

The Gurkha is heavily based on the Mercedes G Wagen platform, a car widely regarded as the best off-roader in the world since it arrived on the scene in 1979. Interestingly Mercedes Benz India will launch an updated G Wagen, in a top-of-the-line AMG spec a day before the Gurkha re-enters the market, at possibly 12-13 times the latter's asking price.

Not comparing, just saying!