Cars/ First-drive/ The Gurkha Reborn | More Power, More Doors, More Desirable | Still Need A Thar?

The Gurkha Reborn | More Power, More Doors, More Desirable | Still Need A Thar?

Finally, Force has delivered! This is a worthy addition to any garage.

For

Build, power, noises, off road capability

Against

Interiors still not upto date, lacks modern features, lacks variants, infotainment screen is bad

Overview

Hold your horses, Mahindra. While the Armada sounds like a five-door, go-anywhere adventure machine, India already has a king in this segment: the Force Gurkha. This 2024 model boasts significant upgrades, but let's first delve into the Gurkha's legacy.

A Legacy of Ruggedness (1987-Present)

In 1987, Force Motors introduced India's first fully indigenous utility vehicle. This extremely rugged machine tackled overloads and conquered the roughest terrains. The "Gurkha" name arrived in 1992, inspired by the legendary warriors. The Trax Gurkha was built to go anywhere, and it lived up to its name.

Multiple recognitions later, the Gurkha became an independent Force offering in 2005. It was, and arguably still is, the best indigenous off-roader in India. This "Terrain Tamer" could demolish mountains and swim through streams. From its humble beginnings, the Gurkha has evolved into a force to be reckoned with, culminating in the first-ever five-door version.



TopGear Magazine July 2024