Although not currently available in India, the Force Gurkha Pickup has potential for markets where pickups are among the preferred choices.
While the automotive sector is generally marked by intense rivalry, there have also been some interesting collaborations over the years. In a recent example, Tata has started selling the Force Gurkha pickup through its dealerships in Uganda. In Uganda, Tata also sells its own Xenon double cab pickup.
Force Gurkha Pickup Launch
Test mules of the Force Gurkha pickup have been spotted several times in India. These included various formats such as single cab, dual cab and roll cage soft top versions. However, none of these have been introduced in India. The pickup segment is gradually gaining momentum in India and the demand for this segment may increase in the future.
Force Motors may be waiting for the right time to introduce the Gurkha pickup in India. For now, the double cab version is available in Uganda and possibly other African markets as well. The exterior profile and equipment are largely similar to the Force Gurkha off-road focused SUV sold in India.
Since Force Motors does not have its own dealer network in Uganda, the partnership with Tata provides access to a larger market. Tata Motors is active in around 29 locations in Africa and has various local partners. Apart from the Xenon pickup, Tata sells various small trucks, light trucks, medium and heavy trucks, buses and utility vehicles in Uganda and other parts of Africa.
Tata is the official distributor of Force Motors in African countries like Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and Nigeria. While the Gurkha pickup is a new addition, Tata already offers the Force Gurkha SUV (3-door and 5-door) in African countries. Vans such as the Force Urbania and Traveler are also sold through Tata dealerships in Africa.
Performance, Features
The powertrain for the pickup version is similar to the Gurkha SUV sold in India. Tata has posted details – a 2.6-litre diesel engine, producing 140 PS and 320 Nm of torque. The Gurkha pickup has 4-wheel drive and is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. The off-roading capabilities of the Gurkha pickup are similar to those of the Gurkha SUV.
These off-road features will be even more useful in Africa, where trips often go beyond paved roads to dirt tracks and rough terrain. Key features of the Force Gurkha include air intake snorkel, mechanically activated differential locks on both axles and multi-link coil suspension on all four wheels.
The ground clearance of Force Gurkha is 233 mm and it uses 18-inch alloy wheels. It has the best 37 degree departure angle and 28 degree ramp over angle in its class. Gradeability is rated at 35 degrees. Force Gurkha has best-in-class water wading capability of 700 mm. If launched in India sometime in the future, the Force Gurkha pickup will take on rivals like the upcoming Scorpio N pickup.
