Force Gurkha 5-door Looks Production Ready In These Spy Shots; Launch Around The Corner?

• Force Gurkha 5-door spotted testing once again, looks production ready. 
• Gets squared-out alloys and squared-out headlights. 
• Thanks to an elongated wheelbase, third row occupants gets captain seats. 
• To get a 91PS 2.6-litre diesel engine, likely with a bit more power. 
• Off-roading kit includes snorkel and manual locking front and rear differentials. 
• Launch is expected to happen later this year.

We have snapped the Force Gurkha 5-door being tested on the Mumbai-Pune expressway once again ahead of its launch. The test mule in these images looks production-ready, which means its launch is probably around the corner. 

The side profile of the 5-door Gurkha has (obviously) been elongated to accommodate the extra set of doors. It also gets design touches, such as the square headlights and sleeker dual-tone alloys, to help it stand out from the smaller (three-door) model. Keen-eyed viewers will also notice that it gets a snorkel (for improved water wading) and a roof rack that can be accessed via a ladder from the back. 

The interior of the Force Gurkha 5-door is largely similar to the current (three-door) model, as suggested by the spy shots. But there are minor differences here, too, such as an electronically operated four-wheel-drive selector. Also, being a longer SUV, it gets captain seats for third-row occupants. For a closer look at the 5-door Gurkha’s interior and features, head to this report. 

Underneath the hood, the Gurkha 5-door will likely get the same 91 PS 2.6-litre diesel engine as the smaller three-door model, probably with a bit more power. Transmission options are likely to include a 5-speed manual transmission. Like the smaller model, it should get manual locking front and rear differentials for improved off-roading prowess. 

The Force Gurkha 5-door is expected to launch later this year and will be priced above the three-door model, which starts from Rs 15.09 lakh (ex-showroom). It will be a larger alternative to the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, and will lock horns with the upcoming Mahindra Thar 5-door.