A report by Autocar India, Force Motors is considering adding an automatic transmission to its well-liked Gurkha SUV.
This move fits into the company’s plan to increase the Gurkha’s appeal—it underwent a major makeover just a month ago.
The upgraded model comes with a more potent 140hp diesel engine and a host of other improvements. It is priced starting at ₹16.75 lakh and is offered in 3-door and 5-door versions.
Current limitations and market competition
The Gurkha’s popularity has been restricted despite recent improvements because there isn’t a less expensive 4×2 version, and only a 5-speed manual transmission is available.
Because of this, the Gurkha is now seen as a speciality car that appeals less to customers in cities.
The shortcomings become more apparent when contrasted with competitors such as the Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny, which both provide automatic versions that are more popular.
Potential automatic transmission for Gurkha
According to reports, JATCO (Japan Automatic Transmission Company), a company that provides gearboxes to Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger, is offering an automatic transmission to Force Motors.
The Gurkha’s 7-speed torque converter device, which would enhance the SUV’s 4WD gear and supply the required bottom-end torque for this off-road vehicle, is being considered by the business.
If an automatic gearbox were added, the Gurkha’s cost would probably go up by approximately 1 lakh.
Pricing and features of the automatic transmission Gurkha
The Gurkha 3-door AT is anticipated to cost approximately ₹18 lakh, whereas the 5-door AT is probably going to cost about ₹19 lakh (ex-showroom).
The new versions have updated design cues like redesigned bumpers, 18-inch alloy wheels, circular LED headlights with new DRLs, and, for the 5-door variant, a longer wheelbase.
They have a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7.0-inch digital instrument console, and a shift-on-fly rotor knob that takes the place of a manual lever for the 4WD shifter within.
