Life with Force Gurkha After 11000kms - Pros & Cons

Force Gurkha After 11,740 km: Review Summary

The owner had covered 11,740 km in under 90 days. He uses the Gurkha as his primary car, including for everyday errands, and says he bought it for travel and its distinctive looks.

The car broke down near Kurnool, but he managed to reach Hyderabad, where its first service was done. The service cost and detailed service experience were not provided; the reviewer said he would cover them in a separate video.

What He Liked

• Head-turning design: Its looks were the reviewer’s biggest draw. He says the Gurkha attracts attention and is often mistaken for a much more expensive vehicle.
• Comfort and space: He finds the steering easy to use and the seats comfortable. Disputing claims that the cabin is cramped, he says passengers can sit comfortably.
• Solid, substantial feel: The metal body and heavy build give the vehicle a premium-looking, imposing presence.
• Old-school controls and 4x4 hardware: He likes the physical switches, knobs, manual gearbox and mechanical-feeling off-road controls. After testing the 4x4 system a few times, he says it helped get the car unstuck.
• Travel appeal: He completed a major drive across five states and has ambitions for longer trips, including to Nepal and Bhutan. He says the car can carry several people, though luggage space is limited.

Drawbacks and Ownership Concerns

• High owner involvement: His main warning is that the Gurkha is not a buy-and-forget car. He believes owners should expect issues and be prepared to spend time managing them.
• Breakdown and service access: The breakdown near Kurnool was an early concern. His nearest workshop is about 115 km away; he estimates that a service-related round trip can cost around ₹2,000 in diesel, making unnecessary visits expensive. He wants Force Motors to expand its service network.
• Fit, finish and material quality: He points to plastic parts that feel less refined than expected, creases and gaps in the door panels, a section that protrudes when closed, and paint peeling in one spot. He says a visible manufacturing or finishing issue had not been corrected.
• Limited luggage space: The rear is difficult to access, and there is not much room for luggage on long journeys. He recommends a roof carrier.
• Underpowered performance: At around 80 km/h in fifth gear, he finds the car short of power. It accelerates more slowly from a stop than small cars such as the Hyundai i10/i20 and Maruti Swift. He stresses that he is not looking to race.
• Hard gearbox: He finds the shifts stiff and initially worried something was wrong, though he says owners may get used to it over time.
• Few accessories: He says factory and aftermarket accessory choices are limited, including options for roof carriers, protective bars, seat covers, underbody plates and tyres.
• Price versus finish: He considers the Gurkha expensive compared with the cars most people buy in India and says the price is no excuse for inconsistent quality. He would pay extra for a better-equipped, better-finished trim with higher-quality materials and tyres.
• Warranty and workshop caution: He challenges the assumption that the Gurkha will be easy to service anywhere just because Force makes commercial vehicles. He advises using Force-authorized service during the warranty period rather than relying on a local garage.

Comparisons and Alternatives

• He contrasts ownership with expectations set by Hyundai and Toyota, saying the Gurkha requires more involvement.
• He considered a Toyota Hilux for its safety and reliability but says it was unavailable to him because of long wait times.
• He views the Mahindra Thar as a different kind of vehicle and says it did not fit his idea of an adventure vehicle. This is his personal opinion, not a measured comparison.
• He mentions Race Dynamics’ Diesel Tonic, priced at ₹22,000, which he says could raise output from about 92 bhp to 110 bhp. He did not install it, so this was not tested in his car.

Verdict

The reviewer is strongly drawn to the Gurkha’s looks, comfort, imposing build and old-school 4x4 character, and remains emotionally attached to it. But his experience also includes a breakdown, limited service access, weak acceleration, stiff shifting and noticeable finish issues.

The Gurkha may suit an enthusiast who values its distinctive character and accepts hands-on ownership. It is a less convincing choice for someone prioritizing polished fit and finish, easy servicing or trouble-free everyday use. No numerical rating was given.

Speakers and Viewpoints

The video is one owner’s personal review. He disputes some online claims about cabin space and easy servicing, and urges other Gurkha owners to share their real-world experiences. He refers to other owners and influencers but does not present a second speaker’s firsthand review.