Near-Production Force Gurkha BS6 Spotted Testing Sans Camouflage

The Force Gurkha has always been a very rudimentary heavy duty four-wheel drive (4WD) SUV and the closest rival to the Mahindra Thar. Ever since the Mahindra Thar was launched last year, enthusiasts have been waiting for the Gurkha as well and it looks like the long wait will soon be over. New pictures of the 2021 Force Gurkha SUV undergoing testing have surfaced online, and this time around the off-roader looks production ready. The new-gen Force Gurkha made its debut at the 2020 Auto Expo last year, and since then we have seen multiple spy photos of the SUV. The new Force Gurkha doesn't look much different from its predecessor and continues with the same boxy silhouette. It will continue to be a three-door SUV, however, there is no update on whether there will be a 5-door version as yet.

Also Read: BS6 Force Gurkha Off-Roader SUV Spotted Again Ahead Of Launch

The new Gurkha also comes with new bumpers, a clamshell bonnet with indicators on either end, snorkel intake finished in black, new LED taillights and dual-tone alloy wheels.

As far as looks are concerned, the SUV gets a single-slat grille with the prominent Gurkha badging, circular headlamps along with integrated LED daytime running lamps (DRLs). The new Gurkha also comes with new bumpers, a clamshell bonnet with indicators on either end, snorkel intake finished in black, new LED taillights and dual-tone alloy wheels. The top-end fully kited Gurkha will also get accessories like a metal frame around the front windshield, a luggage carrier on the roof, a ladder to get to the rack and new black plastic cladding among others.

Also Read: Upcoming 2021 Force Gurkha's Cabin Uncovered In New Spy Photos

The new Force Gurkha will come with a all-black cabin with a new touchscreen infotainment system

On the inside, the new Gurkha will continue to come with an all-black cabin, however, the dashboard has been updated and it now features a touchscreen infotainment system. That said, the dashboard still has a very basic finish to it and doesn't seem to use any upmarket elements like chrome finish or highlights. However, it gets larger air-con vents with glossy black bezels, along with a manual HVAC system. The new Force Gurkha also gets a new steering wheel without any controls. Previous pictures also confirm that a seven-seater version is on the cards with individual seats for the driver and front passenger, a second-row bench seat, and two side-facing jump seats at the back.

Also Read: 2020 Force Gurkha BS6 Spotted Ahead Of Launch; Will Rival New Mahindra Thar

Under the hood, the upcoming Force Gurkha is expected to be powered by a Mercedes-Benz sourced 2.6-litre diesel engine which will be a BS6-compliant unit. The powertrain belongs to the OM616 family and tuned to produce 89 bhp and 260 Nm of peak torque. Transmission duties will be handled by a five-speed manual gearbox with a manual four-wheel drive (4WD) as standard. The SUV will come equipped with an independent front suspension and a rigid axle.

Image Source: Overdrive