Exclusive Scoop: 2013 Force Gurkha caught on test!

Force Motors announced its passenger car division last year with the launch of the Force One 4x2 SUV. It was then followed up by news that the Mercedes Benz Viano based MPV would be launched by 2013. However, we now have images of what will be the third and a niche product offering under Force Motors' passenger car division - the new Force Gurkha.

Based on the older Mercedes Benz G-class platform, the Gurkha has been a well known, hardcore off-road SUV. What we have gotten our hands on now are photos of the new 2013 Force Gurkha test mule. The footage was snagged by our close friend and well-known automotive aficionado, Satyajeet Bhaskare, who spotted the new Gurkha near Pune.

The test car wears G-wagon inspired round headlamps, bonnet-mounted blinkers, sporty roof rails and the trademark snorkel which runs from the bonnet to the roof. The butch wheel arches look great even with the camo. Observe closely and you'll realise that the new Gurkha has the same alloy wheels as the Force One and wears the same 235/70 section road tyres. The wheelbase though is expected to be around the 2400mm mark.

The new Gurkha is also expected to borrow the Mercedes Benz sourced, BS-IV 2.2-litre FMTech engine from the Force One. It puts out close to 142PS of power and over 321Nm of torque. It will be mated to a thoroughly tested 4x4 system which has also found its way into the Force One. We are not yet sure if things like ABS would make it to the Gurkha, but expect some large seats and air conditioning on this hardcore off-roader.

We are speculating the starting price of the 2013 Force Gurkha to be in the range of Rs 6.75-7 lakh, which puts it head-on against the Mahindra Thar. Stay tuned to our YouTube channel for a video of the Force Gurkha test mule.