With extra doorways, extra seats and extra energy, is the brand new Drive Gurkha extra rounded as nicely?
Drive Motors is maybe finest recognized for its industrial autos, however it has additionally constructed a status within the off-road group because of its Gurkha SUV. Now, the Gurkha has undergone its most complete overhaul but: a brand new 5-door physique type, a 7-seater format, new options and an up to date powertrain. So is it a extra full package deal now? Learn on to know.
Drive Gurkha 5-door: design, inside and house
The Gurkha’s design continues to be largely unchanged however that’s a very good factor. Few autos on the market have the sheer street presence of the Gurkha – like a desi G-Wagon, if you’ll. Standing at over 2m tall, 4.4m lengthy and 1.8m huge, the Gurkha 5-door appears to be like much more imposing than its 3-door sibling. And with the extra doorways and the 425mm longer wheelbase (2,825mm), the Gurkha 5-door is definitely the extra proportionate of the 2. A number of the stand out particulars are the LED headlamps with the cool segmented Daytime Operating Lamp signature, the big Gurkha lettering on the entrance grille and the good new 18-inch alloys. Each, the 5-door and 3-door, can be found in 4 colors – Inexperienced, Pink, White and Black.
At 2,825mm, the Gurkha 5-door has a 425mm longer wheelbase than the 3-door.
Inside, the Gurkha retains the identical fundamental dashboard format however there have been some outstanding adjustments. The 2 most obvious are the screens – there’s now a bigger 9-inch touchscreen infotainment and a digital instrument cluster that replaces the analogue dials. The cluster itself is vivid and exhibits all mandatory data, and what’s additionally good is that the TPMS is now built-in into the cluster and isn’t a separate show on the sprint just like the outgoing mannequin. The Android-based touchscreen is simple sufficient to function and will get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, however it’s too fundamental. The high-set entrance seats are massive and comfy, and so they offer you a commanding view out of the cabin. Getting out and in of the cabin isn’t the simplest although – you’ll have to make use of the footstep and seize bar on the A-pillar to propel your self in. The supplies are first rate in sure locations however the cabin is let down by its match and end, with sharp edges and panel gaps seen.
The one technique to entry the third row is by way of the tailgate.
The center row will get a bench-style seat that may comfortably accommodate three adults, and also you additionally get a centre armrest with cupholders. Headroom is in abundance however knee room is tight for taller individuals, and the backrest is simply too upright and might’t be reclined. And because the middle-row seat can’t be tumbled down and folded both, the one technique to entry the third row is by way of the tailgate, which once more isn’t the simplest particularly if you happen to’re taller or older. However as soon as in there, there’s ample house for adults and also you’ll recognize that you just get correct three-point seatbelts and cupholders right here too. Nonetheless, the wheel nicely eats into the foot room within the third row and taller passengers will discover the highest of the home windows at eye stage. The Gurkha 5-door additionally doesn’t get as a lot baggage house because the 3-door however you may at all times go for the roof rack.
Drive Gurkha 5-door: options
Let’s get this straight proper off the bat, the Drive Gurkha is a purpose-built, no-frills off-roader so don’t count on any fancy gizmos right here. There’s no sunroof, no ventilated seats and no wi-fi cellphone charger however that possible received’t deter potential patrons. The Gurkha stills get the fundamentals – a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (we couldn’t join both), a brand new digital instrument cluster, a TPMS, one-touch down for all 4 energy home windows, rear wiper, LED headlamps and diamond-cut alloys. The Gurkha now additionally packs in gas saving auto begin/cease tech, a rear digital camera and rear parking sensors.
It will get a brand new 9-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster inside.
What’s additionally good is that Drive has added a number of comfort options that go a great distance in making life straightforward with the Gurkha. The wing mirrors are actually electrically adjustable, the gas door may be opened from inside with out having to unlock it utilizing the important thing, there’s armrests for the entrance seats, a lifeless pedal to relaxation your foot and the 4WD gear lever has been changed by a nifty shift-on-the-fly knob. There’s additionally USB ports for the entrance and center rows, and roof-mounted AC vents with blower management for the rear passengers. Nonetheless, it will have been nicer if there was a peak adjustable driver’s seat as taller drivers could discover that they’re sitting too excessive.
Third row seats are comfortable however kneeroom and footroom is tight.
Customary security package contains twin airbags, three-point seatbelts for all besides the center seat within the second row, ISOFIX baby seat mounts, entrance disc brakes, ABS and rear parking sensors. The Gurkha additionally comes with the snorkel you see right here as normal, nonetheless, the roof rack, ladder and windscreen bar are all non-compulsory extras.
Drive Gurkha 5-door: engine, gearbox and drive expertise
There have been vital adjustments beneath the hood too. One of many greatest complaints of the older mannequin was its relative lack of energy and it is good to see that Drive Motors has listened. The Mercedes-sourced four-pot diesel continues to displace 2.6-litres, however output sees a large enhance to 140hp and 320Nm, from the 91hp and 250Nm earlier. As a way to achieve that extra 49hp and 70Nm, the corporate says it has made complete adjustments, together with new injectors, a brand new air consumption system, a brand new flywheel, a brand new turbo and extra. And to deal with the extra torque, the Gurkha now additionally will get a special 5-speed gearbox.
Mercedes-sourced 2.6-litre diesel now places out the next 140hp and 320Nm.
Aside from the output, enhancements have additionally been made with reference to NVH ranges on this BS6.2 avatar because the engine runs a bit quieter, each at idle and whereas operating. This iteration of the engine feels sturdy proper from the low finish and there’s a noticeable step up in efficiency when you get near 1,500rpm. It’ll additionally rev increased now, until 3,500rpm, however you’re higher off shifting earlier as there’s not a lot efficiency available previous 2,600rpm. It’ll additionally cruise comfortably at as much as 80kph, with the engine spinning beneath 2,000rpm. The Gurkha now additionally will get drive modes – Eco and Energy. Eco restricts energy within the curiosity of gas financial system, so it’s finest suited just for metropolis driving.
The Gurkha now includes a shift-on-the-fly change instead of the 4WD gear lever.
The clutch pedal is gentle and straightforward to modulate, however the 5-speed gearbox has lengthy throws that takes some effort to fit in. And with discs solely on the entrance and all that weight, the Gurkha 5-door’s brakes don’t really feel sturdy sufficient; it might do with extra stopping energy.
Drive Gurkha 5-door: trip and dealing with
The Gurkha 5-door relies on the identical modular ladder body chassis because the Gurkha 3-door and we had an opportunity to expertise each. A giant change has been made almost about the suspension; on the entrance it will get a revised impartial suspension setup with the decrease management arms being positioned increased. This, together with the bounce as much as 18-inch wheels from 16 inchers, has led to a rise within the floor clearance, from 205mm to 233mm.
Out of the 2, its the Gurkha 5-door that feels extra composed on the street.
On the street, the 5-door Gurkha feels the extra settled of the 2 with much less vertical actions, however there’s nonetheless noticeable side-to-side motion at velocity in each. Because of the chunky tyres and lengthy suspension journey, the Gurkha smoothes out damaged patches of street with ease and it is good to see that the upsizing of the wheels hasn’t compromised trip high quality an excessive amount of. However there’s some play within the steering and also you additionally need to be careful for the sturdy kickback in off-roading conditions. As anticipated, the top-heavy Gurkha isn’t meant for attacking corners, however it feels fairly steady at reasonable speeds.
It is the 3-door Gurkha that boasts of the higher off-road angles.
There’s additionally street and wind noise current within the cabin, however it isn’t very intrusive. What you may hear extra of is the suspension working beneath.
Drive Gurkha 5-door: off street potential
The rise in floor clearance additionally implies that the Gurkha 3-door now boasts of higher off-road angles – 39deg method (up from 37deg), 37deg departure (up from 33deg) and 28deg breakover (up from 25deg). Owing to its longer wheelbase and longer total size, the Gurkha 5-door doesn’t have the identical off-road angles however each have the identical 700mm water wading capability because of the snorkel, and each can climb inclines of as much as 35 levels.
As earlier than, the Gurkha actually shines off the tarmac.
Throughout our first drive, we obtained to expertise the Gurkha 3-door and the Gurkha 5-door on a particular off-road course consisting of inclines, declines, aspect slopes and articulation obstacles. Shifting the SUV from 2H (two-wheel drive excessive) to 4L (four-wheel drive low) is now as straightforward as flicking a change and each Gurkhas dismissed the off-road course with utter ease.
The Gurkha continues to characteristic diff locks on each axles.
The Gurkha, as earlier than, comes with locking diffs at each axles and locking them requires a tough pull and a agency twist of the levers both aspect of the gear lever. The sunshine off-road course meant we did not want to interact the diff locks however having skilled the older Gurkha at our off-road day, I can safely say that it’ll pull you out of virtually any sticky scenario. As an off-road automobile then, the Gurkha feels close to invincible.
Drive Gurkha 5-door: verdict
Costs for the up to date Gurkha 3-door and new Gurkha 5-door will probably be introduced quickly, however the firm has begun accepting bookings for a token quantity of Rs 25,000. Drive is providing a good normal guarantee of three years/1.5 lakh km, with 4 free companies and 1-year roadside help as complimentary. For now, the Gurkha 5-door has no direct opponents, however the 5-door iteration of the Mahindra Thar is simply across the nook. The Gurkha 3-door in the meantime, continues to compete with the present 3-door Thar and the smaller, 5-door Maruti Jimny to a sure extent.
Bookings for the 2024 Drive Gurkha have been opened for Rs 25,000.
Like earlier than, the Gurkha stays a really succesful off-roader however because of its elevated practicality, options and energy, it now appeals to a wider viewers and is a better SUV to advocate. Nonetheless, regardless of being extra sensible now, the Gurkha stays a dedicated purchase. I say that as a result of you need to be content material with buying and selling the most recent digital niceties for a hardcore, go-anywhere machine. Certain, the inside high quality might have been higher and there are some ergonomic shortcomings, however there’s a sure allure within the unapologetic, no-nonsense character of the Drive Gurkha.
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