Gurkha 2013-2017 Soft Top BS3 2WD Review
Force Gurkha Soft Top BS3 2WD is the entry level variant in its model series. The company has fitted this variant with a power packed 2.6-litre turbocharged, intercooled diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 2596cc. This diesel engine has the ability to generate 80.4bhp in combination with a maximum torque of 230Nm, which is quite sufficient for the Indian road and traffic conditions. It is mated with a smooth and proficient five speed manual transmission gear box, which distributes the engine power to its front wheels. Its braking and suspension mechanism are quite proficient. This vehicle a large wheelbase along with decent ground clearance, which makes it capable for driving on any road. Its handling is made easier with the help of a responsive power assisted steering system that is tilt adjustable as well. This model also a spacious internal cabin with good seating arrangement. Its seats are quite wide and well cushioned, which provide ample leg room along with head space for all the occupants. On the other hand, this robust looking vehicle is designed with an aggressive body structure, which will certainly attract a lot of buyers. It is equipped with features like a large radiator grille, which is flanked by a round shaped headlight cluster, well sculpted bumper, external mirrors and steel wheels.
Exteriors:
It is designed with an aggressive radiator grille that is fitted with a few black colored horizontal slats. It is flanked by a round shaped headlight cluster and incorporated with halogen based lamps and side turn indicator. The black colored bumper houses a large air intake section for cooling the powerful engine quickly. The front windscreen is made up of laminated toughened glass and is equipped with intermittent wipers on it. Its door handles and outside rear view mirrors are finished in black color and are manually adjustable. The flared up wheel arches are fitted with a sturdy set of 16-inch steel wheels, which have been covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 235/70 R16. The sides also have sliding windows for the second row of seats. The black protective cladding prevents the vehicle from minor damages. Its rear end gets a large tail gate for easier entry and exit of the passengers and is also fitted with a spare wheel. The black colored bumper is accompanied by a skid plate that helps in preventing the vehicle from damages. The overall dimensions are quite standard and makes it rather spacious for accommodating five or seven passengers with ease. Its length is about 3882mm along with an overall width of 1660mm and height of 2055mm. Its roomy wheelbase measures about 2400mm. This SUV also has an impressive minimum ground clearance of 235mm, which makes it capable of dealing with any terrain.
Interiors:
The spacious internal cabin is in a dual tone color scheme. It is incorporated with well cushioned seats and are covered with premium upholstery. The seats are plush with excellent space for all the passengers even on long drives. The company has used good quality plastic, which further enhances the looks. The smooth dashboard is equipped with quite a few features like AC vents, a four spoke steering wheel, an instrument cluster and glove box for storing a few things. Its instrument cluster is quite bright and fitted with round shaped dials of the speedometer, tripmeter, tachometer and several other notification and warning lamps. It provides all the vital information to the driver, which will in turn make the drive comfortable and hassle free. The company has incorporated the internal cabin with tilt adjustable steering wheel is quite responsive and makes it easy to handle even in peak traffic conditions. The front driver and co-passenger also gets sun visors and there is also an internal rear view mirror as well along with a center arm rest for the front seats.
Engine and Performance:
This variant is fitted with a 2.6-litre, intercooled diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 2596cc. It is compliant with Bharat Stage III emission standard. This engine is incorporated with a turbocharger, which enables it to churn out a maximum power of 80.4bhp at 3200rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 230Nm between 1800 to 2000rpm. It carries four cylinders and sixteen valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. This engine is integrated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system. It can generate a maximum of 15 Kmpl approximately on the highways and about 10.5 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions. With the help of a five speed manual transmission gear box, this motor enables the vehicle to attain a top speed in the range of 130 to 140 Kmph. At the same time, it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 17 seconds from a standstill.
Braking and Handling:
It has dual circuit vacuum assisted hydraulic service brakes that are quite reliable. The front and rear wheels are fitted with a set of disc and drum brakes. It is further assisted by adjusting type LCRV with auto wear adjuster. The company has used an independent with solid torsion bar for its front axle, while the rear one is assembled with a semi elliptical leaf spring type of system. These axles are assisted by hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers and anti roll bar, which will help it to deal with all the jerks caused on uneven roads. The internal cabin is blessed with a tubular ladder type based power assisted steering system.
Comfort Features:
For giving a pleasurable driving experience, the company has given it almost all necessary and utility based aspects. It is always been known for its superb off-roading capabilities. At the same time, the company has always done its best for giving more than adequate amount of interior comfort features, which would leave no room for complaints. It is incorporated with a wide array of comfort features, which includes cup and bottle holders, power steering with tilt adjustable function, sleek digital clock with topper pad, side and rear foot steps, rear window demister and a few other such aspects.
Safety Features:
When it comes to the safety aspects, this vehicle comes equipped with numerous vital and essential safety features. Its rigid body structure comes with impact beams and crumple zones, which reduces the impact of collision. The company has also integrated an advanced digital engine immobilizer that safeguards this vehicle from any unauthorized entry and theft.
Pros:
1. High ground clearance.
3. Price range is quite reasonable.
Cons:
1. Can be upgraded to BSIV emission norms.
5. Many more comfort features can be added.
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