Force Ghurka, the basic yet efficient off-roader from India

When we talk about off-road cars, we know that functionality is often the priority in this type of vehicle. An SUV, designed to project an attractive image for the city, is not the same as an off-roader, which focuses on enabling movement over very difficult terrain. That is why much comfort and luxury finish is dispensed with. And if that off-roader is manufactured in India, the difference is even more visible.

The Force Ghurka began its career in 2008 and was presented with a striking look. In fact, it may remind you of a Mercedes G-Class, but in a smaller size. And that is not all, since it was built with a very simple technology designed to be practical. And affordable, because, like many vehicles built in this Asian country, it is meant to be the vehicle of people without many resources.

All of this translates into very practical equipment, but without frills. It sits on a scalable platform and is capable of moving over the most complicated terrain that presents many difficulties. The new generation improves the comfort and equipment of the previous version, but it remains a very basic vehicle.

Everything is mechanical and the controls look like they came from a car of the 1970s. That said, it features a snorkel that allows it to wade through water up to 700 mm deep, and its all-wheel drive lets it go where other off-roaders would hesitate. In the new Force Ghurka, a larger rear window and a more attractive interior design have been fitted.

That said, the most widely used material is glossy black plastic, so it does not project a very modern image. It is equipped with a 2.6-litre engine producing 91 CV. It is paired with a five-speed gearbox that manages the engine’s torque efficiently. You need not look further in this off-roader, which in India costs the equivalent of 15,500 euros, so everything negative is diluted.

It is true that the Force Ghurka is not the car you would want to drive around the city, but it would probably be a good option for getting around the countryside and carrying out farm work. Functionality and a low price for a car that may not stand out for its image, but which in its country of origin is very successful in rural areas. Perhaps a good way of offering just what is necessary without getting lost in details.