The Force Gurkha Automatic will resolve a major shortcoming of the lifestyle SUV, thereby putting it in league with the Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny.
It seems like Force Motors is trying hard to bring some big numbers with its latest 2024 updated Gurkha range. Earlier, we reported that Force is keen to bring the RWD version of the Gurkha 3-Door, putting it in direct rivalry with the Mahindra Thar RWD. A lower starting price coupled with the road presence of the Gurkha could help the off-roader to get some extra sales, however, the price will be the deciding factor. In the latest development, Force Motors is planning to launch the automatic transmission variant of the Gurkha 3-Door and 5-Door and is reportedly in talks with the Japan Automatic Transmission Company (JATCO). Force Gurkha Automatic Launch- All Details
Force Gurkha Automatic Launch: Automatic Gearbox Details
JATCO is known for making CVT automatic gearboxes for small cars as well as hybrid cars and it supplies the CVT transmission for Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite. In addition to this, the Japan-based company also makes 4 and 6-speed torque converter units for FWD cars and 5, 7 and 9-speed units for RWD cars. As per the reports, Force Motors will likely employ the 7-speed torque converter automatic gearbox in the Gurkha SUV which will help for both bottom-end torque delivery and relaxed highway cruising ability.
Force Gurkha Automatic Launch: Expected Price and Why an Automatic Gearbox?
As of now, the Gurkha range is only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox and this puts it behind the rivals, i.e. Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Thar that offer a torque converter automatic gearbox along with a manual unit. For the lifestyle off-road segment, the customers are inclined towards automatic gearbox options due to the added convenience.
The Force Gurkha is currently priced on a higher side and the automatic gearbox is expected to push the sticker cost further up. A premium of over Rs. 1 lakh is expected and this will take the Gurkha asking price to Rs. 18 lakh for the 3-Door and Rs. 19 lakh for the 5-Door version (Ballpark figures). Automatic gearbox with the upcoming Gurkha 3-Door 4X2 RWD version will be like icing on the cake.