Force Motors, today, launched the Force One in new variants – EX, SX and LX – the former being a BS III model, while the other two are BS IV.
The Force One SUV from the company has been a rather popular choice and has seen its sales grow slowly, but steadily since its launch almost 2 years ago. With the new variants, Force Motors have expanded their Force One line-up, with the EX set to target the rural markets. The new EX variant comes powered by the same unit in the Gurkha: the 2.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel making 82 PS at 3200 rpm and 230 Nm between 1800-2000 rpm. It is paired to a 5-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. It also features highway pattern tyres on steel wheel rims as against the alloy wheels offered on the two higher variants as standard. It also lacks the roof rails, rear fog lamps, rear wiper and defroster.
The new SX and VX variants now feature a much-awaited anti-lock braking system with EBD from Bosch, although the setup still uses front discs and rear drums. The engine powering these variants is the same BS IV-compliant, 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, four-cylinder unit with 141 PS @ 3800 rpm and a hefty 321 Nm of torque between 1600-2400 rpm. The feature list on the SX is identical to the LX, save for the fact that the LX has shift on-the-fly 4×4 mode with a limited slip differential. It also sits 3mm lower than the SX, which offers 205 mm of ground clearance. The SX also offers a 5+1 or 6+1 seating option, while the LX is offered only with 6+1 seating.
The prices for the new variants are extremely competitive as well. The new Force One EX starts at just Rs 8.99 lakh while the SX is priced at Rs 11.99 lakh, both prices are ex-showroom, Pune. The LX 4×4 will be launched in September and will be available across their dealerships across the country. The dealer count at present stands at 19, but the company say they will increase that number gradually. For FY2013, they hope to sell 2,500 units of the Force One, with a target of 5,000 units set for the next financial year. Production is on in full swing with their plant in Pritampur, Madhya Pradesh set to dish out 12,000 units.
Image: Force Motors
