5-door Force Gurkha Testing Continues, Seen With A New Electronic 4WD Shifter

• Force has been testing the longer wheelbase Gurkha since early 2022.

• Latest test mule was covered in thick camouflage all around. 

• Will get a shift-on-fly controller for the 4-wheel drivetrain and captain seats in the last row.

• Expected features on board include 7-inch touchscreen, manual AC with multiple vents and power windows.

• To be powered by the same 2.6-litre diesel engine as the 3-door model.

The 5-door Force Gurkha’s test mules have been spotted a few times since the beginning of 2022. Now, another set of the off-roader’s spy images have surfaced online, this time showing a few more details.

What’s Visible?

Although a few units of the 5-door Gurkha had already arrived at dealerships, Force still seems to be putting it through its paces, as a completely camouflaged model was seen on the roads recently. It had the same snorkel and bigger 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels prevalent on the previously spotted test mules. While the spotted 5-door Gurkha had makeshift Force Citiline headlights, the production-spec model will come with circular projector headlight clusters with LED DRLs. At the back, it had the same tailgate-mounted spare wheel like the 3-door Gurkha to round off its design elements.

The most interesting observation in the new spy shots, though, is the redone controller for the 4-wheel drivetrain (4WD). Unlike the 3-door Gurkha, which has manual lever for engaging 4WD, the SUV’s longer wheelbase version will be provided with an electronic shift-on-fly rotator located in the centre console for operating the 4WD system.

Related: Force Could Possibly Be Expanding The Gurkha Lineup With Multiple Models

Cabin And Equipment

As seen in the previous spy images, the 5-door Gurkha will have a dark grey cabin theme. The 5-door Gurkha will also be a 3-row offering, with bench and captain seats in the second and third rows, respectively.

In terms of equipment, Force will likely provide the 5-door Gurkha with a 7-inch touchscreen system, front and rear (second row) power windows, and manual AC with multiple vents. Its safety net is expected to come with dual airbags, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

Diesel Power Under The Hood

The 5-door Gurkha is likely to come with the same 2.6-litre diesel engine (90PS/250Nm) as offered on the 3-door model, but possibly in a higher state of tune. It is expected to get the same 5-speed manual gearbox, and a 4-wheel drivetrain.

Also See: Force Gurkha Pickup Spied Testing, Could Launch Soon

Expected Launch And Price

We believe the 5-door Gurkha could go on sale sometime during the festive season this year at an expected starting price of Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom). Its only direct competitor would be the upcoming 5-door Mahindra Thar. Also, It’ll be a more premium option to the recently launched Maruti Jimny.

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