Force Gurkha Could Get An Automatic Transmission To Take On The Ever Popular Mahindra Thar

UPDATE: Force India has confirmed that the Gurkha won't be launched with an automatic transmission in the near future.

Quick Highlights

• Force Gurkha reportedly to get an automatic transmission option. 

• Currently, it gets a 2.6-litre diesel engine producing 140 PS and 320 Nm mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

• The Gurkha automatic is expected to command a price increment of around 1 lakh over the manual transmission variants. 

• Force Gurkha could also get two-wheel drive variants to make it more accessible. 

Force Motors is reportedly planning to introduce the Gurkha with an automatic transmission. For now, the Gurkha models are being offered with a single option of a 5-speed manual gearbox. The introduction of a manual transmission will surely up the appeal of the off-roader, considering rivals like the Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny offer one. 

Once and if the automatic transmission is added, we expect it to command a price increment of around Rs 1 lakh over the existing pricing, which ranges from Rs 16.75 lakh to Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom). Additionally, a two-wheel drive model has also been registered in a RTO website and could make it along with the automatic transmission models. The launch timeline for these new drivetrain options are yet to be determined. 

Force Gurkha: Automatic Transmission Expected

To enhance its appeal and increase its accessibility in the off-road lifestyle segment, the Force Gurkha is anticipated to get at least a torque converter automatic transmission. Currently, the Gurkha is powered by a 2.6-litre diesel unit producing 140 PS and 320 Nm, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drivetrain with shift-on-the-fly toggle dial to switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive functionality.

Furthermore, it is anticipated to get a two-wheel drive option, which has already been registered in the Delhi RTO. Along with these additions, an automatic climate control unit and 6-airbags could further increase its appeal in this day and age where everyone wants all the creature comforts. 

Force Gurkha: Features

The 2024 Force Gurkha has been updated with feature niceties like a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a 7-inch digital driver’s instrumentation. Other convenience features include power windows, manual AC, and keyless entry. On the safety front it gets 2-airbags, ABS with EBD, a tyre pressure monitoring system and rear parking sensors. 

Force Gurkha: Price And Rivals 

Both the 3-door and 5-door models get a single variant priced at Rs 16.75 lakh and Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively. With the tough and competitive segment to take on the rivals like the Mahindra Thar, Maruti Suzuki Jimny and the soon to be launched Mahindra Thar 5-door, the Gurkha lacks behind in powertrain and transmission options. With the competition offering petrol engines, automatic transmission options and even a two-wheel drivetrain configuration, it is high time for the Gurkha to provide additional options for better appeal.