OUT OF THE BOX OFF-ROADER

The Force Gurkha is a name that's been around for a while, but now it has been enhanced like never before, with a new powertrain and a choice of body styles

-  Jim Gorde

OFF-ROADING IS A SPECIAL NICHE. IT'S almost like it is innate for many who seek adventure and want to go beyond the normal or the routine every now and then. The Force Gurkha has probably been the most capable off-roader available out of the box for some time now, but many who wanted it also wanted a little more. And Force Motors have answered the call.

We were transported to Goa and, in the midst of some sweltering off-season heat following an unseasonal downpour a few days earlier, were let loose in the new model. I should say "models" because there wasn't just one. There were two: a traditional three-door and a new and much longer five-door, both with an enhanced turbo-diesel engine that now meets BS6-II emission regulations.

The exterior is pretty much the same as before with a boxy shape and a straight face that make it clear it has a no-nonsense approach to getting about its business. It is big, yes, but also commanding and somewhat imposing on the road. A good thing when we have many popular huge SUVs-with drivers who slow down to less than 10 km/h for a tiny little puddle-that think they own the road (because they never set foot off it) but then are properly dwarfed when faced with the Gurkha. The width is less than the height. The case here is that owners wanted more ground clearance. So, Force gave them 233 millimetres of it. And that comes with improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, plus better-wading depth. Speaking of which, the snorkel and the host of black metal tubes-from the bars on the windscreen to the roof rack and rear mini step-ladder-are all available as accessories and homologated for road use here in India.