Driving Off-Road
After driving around the factory a bit it was time to take on the extreme course. The first obstacle was quite a steep entry into a ditch that was slightly wider but a lot taller than the Gurkha. With the gearbox in first and four-low engaged, I went in and, slowly but steadily, the Force Gurkha Xtreme entered the extremely steep ditch without ever feeling like it’s going to tip over on its roof. The engine braking while descending into the ditch kept everything in check and all I was doing was controlling the brakes and keeping the steering wheel straight. This made me realize all the effort the engineers have put into making the Force Gurkha Xtreme a remarkable off-roader.
Once through this and I was staring straight up at a 50-degree incline that looked like a hillock. I was told that we could get over that incline in second gear and, trusting the engineer, I simply nailed the throttle and headed straight up looking at the sky and within seconds we were at the top and once again the Force Gurkha Xtreme made it through without breaking into a sweat. This Gurkha has surely gotten my attention. On the other side of the “mini hill” was a descent as steep as the incline, but this time I had no doubt in my mind that the Xtreme would tackle it easily. And, sure, it went down without a hitch. (Also Read: Mahindra XUV300 Compact SUV Test Drive Review)
Next up were 40-degree incline and decline sections and here I got to see the amazing crawling power of the Force Gurkha Xtreme. As we approached an incline, I gently pushed the throttle a bit and then slowly lifted my foot from it to watch the Gurkha climb a 40° incline without any input from me; in fact, I enjoyed it so much that I went for it again and again.
By now I was impressed by the Gurkha Xtreme’s capability, however, there was something more left for the Force Gurkha Xtreme to show off. This was the articulation section where at least one wheel was always off the dirt and, quite honestly, while going through this section the four-wheel torque delivery and excellent engineering of this SUV was highlighted for me to appreciate. The Force Gurkha Xtreme went through this section as if it were made for being driven on such terrain. This was being effortless at its best. Even through the water-wading test, which was done at another part of the facility, the Force Gurkha Xtreme was simply very good. It waded through a lot of water without any problem. I was told that it can actually cross rivers with ease, for its water-wading limit is 550 mm. What held me spellbound was the fact that the company has tested the Force Gurkha Xtreme with water coming right over its bonnet, which is well over 550 mm. Now, that is literally Xtreme.
Now it was time for me to go at it again and again and then some more. I thoroughly enjoyed what the Force Gurkha Xtreme had to offer and it was quite a lot. I must say that the new suspension has improved the ride quality of the Gurkha.
Price
At Rs 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom) the Force Gurkha Xtreme is more expensive than its competition but at this price, you get a Gurkha that has RFC-winning pedigree, which makes it the best made-in-India off-roader on offer. It has go-anywhere capability, a good ride quality, trusted equipment, and a great stance. It surely has shaken up the segment and I hope Force Motors promote it well because the Xtreme deserves to be on top of the list for any off-roading enthusiast.
