The Indian off-road SUV market is witnessing a thrilling battle between two established players: the iconic Force Gurkha and the ever-popular Mahindra Thar. Both manufacturers have recently announced their entry into the 5-door segment, raising the stakes for adventure enthusiasts. This article delves into a detailed comparison of the 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door and the upcoming 5-Door Mahindra Thar, analyzing features, specifications, price points, and other crucial differences to help you choose the ultimate off-road companion.
Rugged Design and Dimensions
Both SUVs boast imposing stances, emphasizing their off-road prowess. The Gurkha retains its boxy silhouette with flared wheel arches and a muscular front fascia. The Thar, while retaining its classic Jeep-inspired design, is expected to offer a slightly sleeker aesthetic with a possible metal roof replacing the fiber top of the 3-door model.
Dimensionally, the Gurkha boasts a larger footprint. Its 4,255mm wheelbase translates to potentially more spacious interiors, especially in the third row. The Thar’s wheelbase details are yet to be revealed, but it’s likely to be shorter, impacting passenger space.
Powertrains and Off-Road Capability
Both SUVs are expected to retain their proven powertrains. The Gurkha features a potent 2.6L diesel engine delivering 149bhp and 381Nm torque, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission with a shift-on-fly 4×4 system. The Thar is likely to offer its 2.0L diesel engine (117bhp and 300Nm) and the powerful 2.0L turbo-petrol engine (150bhp and 320Nm), both paired with manual and automatic transmission options.
Off-road prowess remains a key focus for both. The Gurkha excels with its superior approach, breakover, and departure angles, along with a deeper water wading capacity. The Thar, however, might have a slight edge in terms of maneuverability due to its potentially shorter wheelbase.
Features and Interiors
The Gurkha offers a utilitarian cabin with a focus on functionality. The 5-door version gets a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, and basic creature comforts. The Thar is expected to offer a more premium cabin experience with features like a panoramic sunroof, connected car technology, and a multi-speaker sound system.
The Gurkha prioritizes passenger space with a 7-seater layout (two captain seats in the third row). The Thar might offer a similar 7-seater configuration, but details are yet to be confirmed.
Price and Availability
The 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door holds a price advantage starting at Rs. 16.75 lakh, while the upcoming 5-Door Mahindra Thar’s pricing is still under wraps. However, considering the Thar’s brand recognition and potential feature-rich cabin, it might be priced slightly higher.
The Gurkha is readily available in the market, while the 5-Door Mahindra Thar is expected to launch in late 2023 or early 2024.
Choosing Your Off-Road Champion
The choice between the 2024 Force Gurkha 5-Door and the upcoming 5-Door Mahindra Thar ultimately boils down to individual preferences. The Gurkha offers a raw, rugged experience with superior off-road capability and a spacious interior at a competitive price. The Thar, on the other hand, might appeal to those seeking a more premium cabin with potentially advanced features and a wider service network.
Staying updated on the final specifications and features of the 5-Door Mahindra Thar will be crucial for making an informed decision. Both SUVs promise an exciting adventure, and the Indian off-road scene is set to witness an epic clash of the titans.
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