Force One EX

One EX Review

Force Motors, the Indian automobile company founded in the year 1958 is highly acclaimed for its commercial vehicles. This company is known for its Force Tempo, Force Traveller and Matador in the country. Its manufacturing unit is located in Pune and is associated with ZF, Daimler AG, Bosch and MAN trucks. The company has managed to produce variety of commercial vehicles along with passenger vehicles by procuring latest and expertise technology. It was barely two years ago when the company ventured in to producing SUV model, which is called as Force One SUV . This SUV has stirred competition in the Indian SUV market segment which is currently headed by Tata Safari, Mahindra Scorpio and Mahindra XUV500 and others. Now the company has officially introduced the base version of Force One along with a 4x4 version as well. The price of the base version starts at just Rs. 8.99 lakh (ex showroom, New Delhi). However, this base version is offered with a 2.6-litre petrol trim instead of the 2.2-litre trim. This 2.6-litre power train is the same engine that powers the Force Gurkha. This engine comes with Bharat Stage III emission compliance and produce less power compared to the 2.2-litre trim. The company has removed some of the exterior and interior features inside this version to make it more affordable in the segment. However, it kept most of the necessary features inside to assure top class luxury to the occupants.

Exteriors:

The homegrown vehicle manufacturer Force Motor's latest Force One EX is the entry level trim in its series, which has got a mighty body design and good looking exteriors. This SUV is much bigger than what it looks like from the outside. Its front facade is majestic and it is dominated by the broad bonnet. This new base version gets the same headlight cluster with dual toned projector type of look, which is further incorporated with turn indicators. Then there are day time running lamps along with the roof spoilers have been missed out from this base version. There is a chrome based radiator grille designed beautifully with horizontal chrome slats on it. This chrome radiator grille is fitted with the company's logo, which is further complimented by the company's logo placed just under the grille. At the bottom of its frontage, there is a body colored bumper designed with an air dam and air ducts. Down at the bottom, there is protective cladding fitted to the bumper that adds sportier look to this SUV. The side profile is very stylish with macho kind of design with wheel moldings. Its beautifully designed wheel arches have been fitted with steel wheel rims instead of alloy wheels that are fitted to the high end models. Although it is the base version, it is fitted with electrically adjustable ORVMs and body colored door handles. The rear part of this SUV gets the same look but without rear fog lamps.

Interiors:

This entry level trim has been offered with quite sophisticated interior cabin that hosts quite a lot of features inside. There is a 12V power socket in the first and second row. Its interior cabin is offered with beige color scheme with wooden finish on the central console. This entry level trim comes with seven seater option including the driver with 2+3+2 seating arrangement. The seats are wide and well cushioned and they are further covered with premium fabric upholstery. Stepping inside the cabin will be simpler because of the side step that is fitted on the side. There is a stylish three spoke steering at the center of which, there is a prominent Force One logo fitted on it. There is a stylish instrument cluster that has two dials that has a lot of indicators. The gear knob is offered with chrome linings on it while the gear lever is wrapped in all beige upholstery. There are set of other interior features that include door open warning and display, over speed warning, central locking and so on.

Engine and Performance:

This Force One EX entry level trim is blessed with a 2.6-litre diesel mill, which is retained from Force Gurkha. The company opted toward this high performance engine instead of 2.2-litre BSIV compliance engine. Now this 2.6-litre, 4-cylinder, Direct Injection , Turbo Charged inter cooler engine has the displacing capacity of about 2595cc. This turbo charged engine can make 81bhp of power at 3200rpm while yielding 230Nm of torque at 1800 to 2000rpm. This engine is based on Bharat Stage III Emission compliance and it skillfully paired with 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. This gearbox derive the power from the engine and delivers it to the front wheels, which is suitable for all highway and city drive conditions.

Braking and Handling:

The all new Force One EX entry level variant is offered with powerful braking system like the rest of its variants. Its braking system works on disc and drum brake combination , which is perhaps the safest and most reliable in all. Its front wheels are fitted with disc brakes with a standard twin pot type caliper. The rear wheels are assembled with drum brake that are reliable in all conditions. Inside this SUV there is a highly responsive power assisted steering system, which is helpful to drive this SUV in peak traffic conditions. Handling this SUV is further enhanced by its robust suspension. The front axle is offered with Independent double wishbone, coil spring suspension while the rear axle is assembled with multi link with pan hard rod and coil spring suspension system.

Comfort Features:

There are some thrilling set of comfort features incorporated to this entry level version that include, air conditioner, power steering, power windows, arm rest for driver and co-passenger, multi-information display , coolant level indicator, sun glass holder, electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors, puddle lamp and lots more.

Safety Features:

Force Motors has not compromised on the safety aspects of this SUV, which makes this Force One as one of the safest SUVs in the market. It is blessed with fog lamps, tubeless tyres for superior grip on roads, collapsible steering, front skid guard and many more functions. This entry level version also gets some of the sophisticated functions include driver seat belt warning, brake pad wear indicator, central locking, over speed warning and more.

Pros: Good looking, huge interior cabin space.
Cons: Mileage is not attractive, safety functions must improve.