Next-gen Force Gurkha to break cover in 2020 - Report

The Force Gurkha has started to show its age, and so, a full model change is in the works now. The next-gen Force Gurkha with a fresh design, more comfort and convenience features and enhanced safety should reach showrooms in early 2020.

The next-gen Force Gurkha will have an all-new body that will be strong enough to go through the mandatory crash tests under BNVSAP (effective 1 October 2019) successfully. While fitment of ABS as standard became mandatory from last month, driver airbag, driver and co-driver seat belt reminder, reverse parking sensors and manual override for central locking system (if present) will be required to be included in the standard safety suite from July. Sources in the know-how of the development say that "more creature comforts" are also planned for the redesigned model, making it more feasible as an everyday vehicle than the outgoing model.

The all-new Force Gurkha may use the same underpinnings that were revised with the launch of the Force Gurkha Extreme. In that case, it may a multi-link suspension at the front and rear. Powering the all-new model will be an updated, BS-VI compliant version of the current Mercedes-Benz sourced 2.2-litre diesel engine. The current, BS-IV version produces 140 hp at 3,800 rpm and 321 Nm of torque at 1600-2400 rpm. It comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission as standard. The 85 hp 2.5-liter diesel engine may not be offered in the all-new model.

Also Read: 2019 Force Trax (facelift) spotted cold-weather testing in Leh

The production of the 2020 Force Gurkha will commence around December 2019, and so, it could debut at AutoExpo 2020. The next-gen Mahindra Thar, its arch-rival, is also expected to premiere at the same event.

[Source - autocarindia.com]