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Force Gurkha Automatic Transmission Could Soon Be A Reality: Expanding Market Reach
The popular Force Gurkha SUV may soon feature an automatic gearbox, as reported by Autocar India. This move aims to broaden the SUV's appeal following its recent significant refresh. The refreshed Gurkha, priced from Rs 16.75 lakh (ex-showroom), is available in both 3-door and 5-door versions. It boasts a more powerful 140bhp diesel engine and numerous additional features.
Currently, the Gurkha only comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox, which limits its appeal to urban buyers. This is especially noticeable when compared to its competitors, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Thar. These rivals offer automatic variants and more affordable 4x2 options, making them more attractive to a broader audience.
Sources indicate that Force Motors is considering an automatic transmission from Japanese firm JATCO (Japan Automatic Transmission Company). JATCO supplies the CVT gearbox for the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. They also produce CVTs for hybrid vehicles and various torque converter automatics for different drive models.
For the Gurkha, Force Motors is evaluating a 7-speed torque converter unit from JATCO. This unit will complement the SUV's 4WD gear and provide the necessary bottom-end torque for rough terrain. The addition of this automatic gearbox is expected to increase the model's price by about Rs 1 lakh.
The Gurkha 3-door automatic is likely to be priced around Rs 18 lakh, while the 5-door version may cost approximately Rs 19 lakh, ex-showroom. In comparison, the Mahindra Thar diesel 4x4 automatic variants are priced between Rs 17 lakh and Rs 17.6 lakh.
Force Motors has also started working on a Gurkha 4x2 variant to compete directly with the Thar RWD. This strategic move aims to attract a wider audience by offering more options to potential buyers.
DriveSpark Thinks
Whether these changes will lead to increased sales for Force Motors remains uncertain. However, introducing an automatic gearbox and a more affordable variant could make the Gurkha more competitive in the market.
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