Cheapest 4 X 4 SUV ?

Just a quick note.

have you thought of maruti gypsy.

I'm sorry but my Safari does not seem to agree with this theory - it hasnt fallen apart so far despite doing some serious off-roading.

The Gypsy is great for offroading, in fact TERRIFIC.  However it is not comfortable by ANY stretch of imagination and you will be bounced around like cargo in a truck.  It is not an SUV but a proper out-and-out off-roader.  People may say that it lacks Torque because of the small petrol engine, but it still can do a lot more offroad than any other vehicle in India today.

That said, it lacks space, comfort & practicality.  Your only option that is readily available is the Tata Safari 4x4.  Yes you can get a Bolero 4x4 on order, but check out the price - its nearly 10 lakhs for what is a cramped, uncomfortable vehicle.

You can also get a Scorpio 4x4 on order, but this is a very elusive creature - I havent any on the roads!

If you are not particularly bothered about creature comforts like good seats, a decent dash and proper functional airconditioning, you can also consider the Trax Gurkha which is also available on order but you may end up waiting a few months to get it delivered.  Ride comfort in the Gurkha is good and it does pretty well on the roads - the only issue is the VERY basic 'interiors'.

And for those who believe the Safari is not an off-road vehicle may I suggest a look at some of these videos (most of these are using the old 2 litre TCIC turbodiesel, not the newer common rail engines):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DNqCI38-hQ 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr96XRnjcp4 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn41muZviLw 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h9xamml0hI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubu8LPWaSGU 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKTjUtNnvZM

And this one features the Safari, the Xenon and the TL4x4 along with a lot of other mainstream off-roaders abroad (Tata vehicles from 3.01 minutes on the video):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJxJoep0DHk 

and this one here is probably the best, the guy is having a whale of a time bashing it up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJJzlxFIbkA 

GURKHA

If you want to know what the Gurkha can do, here's a sample.  This a different ballgame altogether!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzTSI-MEW-4 

Ah the last link is not working but on Gurkha I can provide video links

It's a good but crude vehicle. To explain this vehicle is waste of time, and one can/will appreciate only after few years spent with it, just like old enfields!

Sir I guess Mahindra Major 4x4 then would be the cheapest one!

Hi Steeroid,

Here are my replies to your points.

I am a believer of K.I.S.S theory.

In india, we have no choice when it comes to own a vehicle which is a family friendly vehicle and a good off-roader. The Gurkha fits perfectly in this bracket but the aftersales support of Force Motors deters everything else. I would have blindly brought a Gurkha even if the after sales support and parts availability were half of Tata or Mahindra.

Safari and Scorpio in their stock condition are no match for JEEP, Gypsy or Gurkha. There have been many instances where people have complained about electronic SOTF failing. Imagine yourself in the middle of a trail with a kaput 4WD system. Now lets add to that the post off-roading maintenance costs which would be substantially higher if you own a scorpio or a safari.

There is no aftermarket modifications support available for these vehicles which can improve their off-roading abilities. Can we get bolt on Crawler sets, lockers, Body lift kits for Safari, Gurkha or Scorpio in india ???

I always envy the guys who enjoy the chilling AC of their safaris and scorpios while I get roasted in my JEEP. But I guess, it will take sometime for our coutry's off-roading support scenario to mature. I prey that soon there should come a day when we will go rock climbing on heavily kitted purposeful homegrown indian SUVs

Gurkha wont need crawler set, Lockers are already there, Lift kits for what? Already the GC is 245 mm. If you want to raise it, just get the shackles and lift it further. But then it would become like a tractor, difficult to climb in - so would any other vehicle.

If you buy a brand new Gypsy and try to bring it up to Gurkha's standard, it would come out to be much more costlier. What we are talking is cheapest vehicle.

Gypsy is a great vehicle, you cannot compare it to others, especially if there is place for it to gain momentum.

Jeep is different animal all together. It works on Torque and can amaze you with what it can do.

You cannot compare these two vehicles, in their own territory they would be king. People should pick up what they would like to do and how is their driving style.

Futile to comapre these two vehicles as per me!

+100.

Each of these vehicles have their own pros and cons. After all, its for us to choose the one which suits our purposes.

Lets wait for the Thar and see what its upto