फोर्स मोटर्स गुरखा बीएस6

With BS6-compliance now mandatory for all cars sold in India, the Force Motors Gurkha BS6 will replace the discontinued BS4 version soon. While details on when the launch will happen are scarce, we have an idea of what will be new to the BS6 model based on two almost production-ready concepts shown at the Auto Expo 2020.

As was the case with the pre-BS6 Gurkha, the new model takes even more design inspiration from the Mercedes-Ben G-Class. For instance, it gets round headlamps with halo-like LED DRLs, top-mounted LED indicators, old-school squarish bodyshell, tailgate-mounted spare wheel mimic the G-Class’ design - the only difference being the vertically stacked taillamps. There is an indication that the new Gurkha may be offered only as a three-door model which will seat six to seven people - necessitating a humongous rear side window.

The biggest change for the new Gurkha will be the interior design and features. The dashboard design, as seen on the models shown at the Auto Expo, may feature a much less busy design with a touchscreen interface in taking centre stage. Other features include individual front-facing second-row seats, new leather/leatherette upholstery, power windows and other creature comforts.

Underneath the newish skin, the Force Gurkha is expected to remain mostly the same as before, except of course the BS6-compliant engine(s). Both the 2.6-litre and newer 2.2-litre, four-cylinder engines are expected to be carried over from the older car, but will now comply with stricter emission standards. The rugged ‘C-in-C’ chassis and capable 4x4x4 drivetrain are expected to be carried over without any changes.