Force Gurkha 7-Speed Automatic Gearbox Rumours: Force Motors Issues Statement
In order to compete with the already successful Mahindra Thar, Force Motors is gearing up to expand its Gurkha SUV lineup with the introduction of a new automatic variant. This move is being planned by the company to lure in more buyers who generally head to its direct rival because of the convenience provided by an automatic transmission. Reports have suggested that the company will be offering a 7-speed torque converter automatic gearbox as an option alongside the 5-speed manual transmission.
Force Gurkha Automatic: Details
As per the reports, the company is planning to source the gearbox from JATCO (Japan Automatic Transmission Company). It is a reputable Japanese manufacturer known for its high-quality transmission systems. As mentioned above, it could very likely be a 7-speed torque converter automatic that could be utilized by the brand. Reports have suggested that it will work well with the Gurkha’s 4X4 system.
Pricing and Availability
At the moment, Force Motors has not officially announced the plans or any details about this new automatic transmission’s pricing. However, reports suggest that it could be priced approximately Rs 1 lakh higher than the existing manual version.
Currently, the manual Gurkha starts at Rs 16.75 lakh. As per the reports, the 3-door automatic version is expected to be around Rs 18 lakh. Meanwhile, the 5-door variant could be priced at Rs 19 lakh, ex-showroom.
This pricing could make the Gurkha a competitive option against rivals like the Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny. Both of these SUVs already offer automatic transmission options.
Engine Details
In terms of the powertrain, the company will not be making any alterations to the powerplant of this SUV. The Gurkha automatic will retain the same 2.6-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine that powers the current manual models. This engine currently produces 138 bhp and 320 Nm of torque.
Launch of the 4×2 Gurkha Variant
In addition to the automatic variant, Force Motors is also working on a more affordable 4×2 (RWD) version of the Gurkha. Like the Mahindra Thar RWD, this new, more affordable model is aimed at attracting buyers who want the rugged appearance of a lifestyle off-roader but can compromise with the lack of 4X4 capabilities. This new model will make the Force Gurkha a lot more accessible to a broader market segment.
This new 4X2 variant of the Gurkha will also come powered by the same FM 2.6 CR diesel engine as its 4×4 counterpart. What will be the added benefit of this particular variant will be that the removal of the 4×4 drivetrain will help Force Motors to offer better acceleration and make it the fastest Gurkha to date.
At the moment, it has not been reported if this variant will get the automatic transmission or not. However, it most likely could be offered with the new 7-speed torque converter automatic as it will increase its appeal in the market.
Apart from this, it will come equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission like the standard 4X4 models, aligning with the company’s strategy to offer cost-effective options without compromising on performance.
Design and Features
As for the exterior design changes, the new upcoming RWD Gurkha will retain the distinctive and rugged design of the 4X4 variant. It will continue to feature the large proportions and imposing appearance of the 3-door body style.
On the inside, the new SUV will also retain the exact same cabin layout features. It will come with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument cluster, and manual climate control. Other features will include dual front airbags, rear parking sensors, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Competing with the Mahindra Thar RWD
The new Gurkha RWD, as stated above, will be competing directly with the Mahindra Thar RWD. As we all know, the Mahindra Thar’s popularity in India skyrocketed after the launch of the RWD variants in India.
Force Motors, as per the reports, could price the new Gurkha 4X2 under Rs 10 lakh. Now, at the moment, the company has not confirmed this. However, if it does manage to offer the Gurkha for this price, it will help the brand in increasing its sales figures by a significant amount.
Force Motors has issued the following statement in response to the rumours of the Gurkha getting an automatic gearbox