Force Gurkha - figuring out how competitive it is with UAZ and Suzuki Jimny?

The Indian company Force Motors has presented an updated version of an SUV worth a little over a million (in rubles). This car has been called many things! A clone of the old Gelendvagen, an SUV for the poor, a copy of the Mercedes G-class, etc. There is some truth in this: car Force Gurkha really does strongly resemble German technology. But there is nothing surprising here - the Indians have been cooperating with German automakers since the 70s of the last century and Force Motors has had plenty of time to gain experience.

Appearance

Despite some changes in the exterior as a whole, it remained the same. The same rectangular shapes, chopped bumper, headlights indicate the budget of the car and at the same time hint at a “solid” origin. On the front end there is a round optics with LEDs (running lights) around the headlights (from LED Pro Edge). However, there are elements that confirm the off-road potential of the vehicle:

• ? small front and rear overhang
  
• ? plastic protection around the whole car
  
• ? tires with a tread pattern designed for driving on bad roads
  
• ? snorkel supplying air to the engine when overcoming a ford
  

A large expedition-type trunk is mounted on the roof. A small ladder with a footboard leads to it. A canister for fuel can be attached to the side. The SUV is offered in a three- or five-door (currently expected) version. Accordingly, the length is 3,99 or 4,34 m, height - 2,08 m, width - 1,81 m. Five-spoke alloy wheels look modern and stylish.

Interior

Inside, everything is ascetic, as in previous variations of the Gurkha, except for the improved finishing material (fabric and plastic), “modernized” seats and a slightly redesigned dashboard. The steering wheel is rough and does not have any buttons. The boring interior is diluted with a 7” multimedia display (supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto). But the microclimate control knobs are clearly outdated. Theoretically, there is an armrest, but it is not provided in the basic version.



Two longitudinal rear benches were replaced with full-fledged seats. There are even mounts for child seats. There is heating up front. The luggage compartment is not particularly impressive: the volume is just over 500 liters. Features in the cabin:

• ? airbags for the driver and front passenger
  
• ? Steering wheel adjustable for reach and height
  
• ? there is power steering
  

The basic package also has air conditioning, four speakers of the audio system, and 4 USB connectors are provided for recharging gadgets. In the updated version, the following are installed: central locking, power windows and fog lights. From the technical "luxury" it is worth noting the control over pressure in the wheels and rear parking sensors.

Technical specifications

Only one type of power unit is provided: the TD 2650 FTI turbodiesel, which is a modernized version of the Mercedes OM616 engine, produced by the Germans back in the 70s. However, despite the low power, the motor works without any special loads under difficult road conditions:

• ? volume 2,6 l
  
• ? power 90 l. With.
  
• ? transmission - five-speed "mechanics" G-28 from Mercedes
  
• ? four-wheel drive
  
• ? ground clearance 205 mm
  

The frame of the car is a reinforced type. The front suspension, made on transverse levers, is independent. The design of the rear axle used springs and drum brakes. The SUV is equipped with only a 5-speed manual transmission, there is a reduction gear and a differential lock, to use which, you will have to make physical efforts. Tests have shown that the car freely overcomes water obstacles with a depth of 70 cm, a rise of 37 °, a ramp of 33 °. A low-power engine has its plus - fuel economy. The machine has an anti-lock braking system.

Cost and sales

The price of an SUV in terms of Russian rubles is approximately 1,3 million rubles. The machine was made specifically for the Indian, domestic market and there is no talk about deliveries to other countries, including Russia. As for the closest competitors, in terms of cost they can be UAZ Patriot, Suzuki Jimny or the same Indian Mahindra Tar, well, very reminiscent of the Jeep Wrangler. By the way, unlike Force Motors, UAZ actively exports its products.

Comparison with Suzuki Jimny

Many people call this Japanese model a smaller copy of the Land Rover Defender. Indeed, there is a superficial resemblance. Compared to the "Hindu", the Japanese loses in the volume of the luggage compartment - only 85 liters "clean". Yes, and 300 kg for this machine is a serious burden. However, the car is positioned as a compact model and it makes no sense to demand more from it. Main technical differences from Gurkha:

• ? gasoline engine (16 valves) with a volume of 1,5 liters and a capacity of 102 "horses" with a declared resource of 300-330 thousand kilometers
  
• ? the choice of transmission between the "automatic" from the company Aisin with four ranges and "mechanics" with five gears
  
• ? three driving modes - 2H, 4H, 4L
  
• ? AllGrip Pro off-road option
  

Gurkha and UAZ

There is some sense in comparing. Russians are unlikely to see the "Indian" in their showrooms, but UAZ may well compete with Gurkha in India if it gets there through export. In terms of cost, the top versions of the car, if compared with the "Patriot", are approximately the same. But the "Hunter" in the "Trophy" configuration (the most off-road) costs less. If we compare transmissions, the Patriot is already supplied with an "automatic", while Gurkha buyers only have access to mechanics. Hunter has three configurations:

• ? Classic Fleet
  
• ? classic
  
• ? Expedition
  

The “Hindu” is also lagging behind in off-road capabilities. For example, UAZ "Hunter" has an angle of entry to the ascent of 50 °, descent - 39 °. If we take the engines, then the Russian SUV has a greater choice. In addition to gasoline power units, the Ulyanovsk plant offers a diesel engine of 2,2 liters and 113 liters. With. (ZMZ-51432). Other engines are represented by several installations with a volume of 2,7 to 2,9 liters, developing from 84 to 135 "horses".

The Russian car is sold abroad and, for example, has recently been certified in Chile. However, the UAZ "Hunter" cannot be called a comfortable SUV. The instrument panel is rather archaic, the seats do not have lateral supports. But the trunk is twice as large as that of the Indian competitor, and with the rear row of seats removed, it is five times larger. In terms of modernizing the technical part of the UAZ, improvements are constantly being made. For example, in the body of 2021, a spring-loaded suspension is installed, the front brakes have become ventilated, and the rear ones have received a fine-tuning system.

The modification "Trophy" provides for the protection of the "razdatka" and steering rods. UAZ does not pretend to luxury - its task is to storm the off-road, which it has been successfully coping with for decades. And it is quite difficult to find an alternative to it for, for example, rural motorists with a small budget in their pocket.