It is no secret that Force is preparing a long wheelbase 5-door version of the Gurkha off-roader for the Indian market. The current model is available in a three-door avatar, which targets a small number of buyers – mostly enthusiasts. Its direct rival, the Mahindra Thar is also preparing a 5-door derivative of the Thar. In fact, MSIL is also working on a 5-door Jimny for our market.
The 5-door Force Gurkha has been spotted testing multiple times, and the latest spy images reveal something interesting. The spy images show that the design elements of the 5-door model are similar to that of the three-door version.
Interestingly, the new 5-door Force Gurkha will be introduced as a 3-row, 6-seater SUV. This model will target a wide range of buyers who are looking for a capable off-roader, which can also be used for local travel and highway driving. The model will ride on longer wheelbase, and will provide more space in both rear seats and the boot. Adding to it, the SUV will also offer off-road capabilities and rugged styling.
The 3-row version with five doors has recently been spotted testing with captain seats in the third-row. The new model will get six forward-facing seats. The 5-door Force Gurkha will come with a slightly revised dashboard, a touchscreen infotainment system, manual air-conditioning, and others. It will share most of its features with the current three-door version.
The 5-door Force Gurkha is expected to share the same set-up of engine and gearbox combination as the 3-door model. It is powered by a 2.6-litre turbo-diesel engine that churns out 90bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. Transmission duties will be performed by a 5-speed manual gearbox. Similar to the standard model, it might come with the 4WD (four-wheel drive) and 2WD (two-wheel drive) options along with manual locking differentials controlled via levers on the floor console.
