India’s Force Motors has announced its official entry into the South African market with a portfolio of five vehicles incoming, TopAuto reports.
The Indian car brand has partnered with ETG Logistics as its domestic distributor, and the first vehicles are expected to hit South African roads in the first quarter of 2023.
According to TopAuto, Force will introduce a comprehensive line-up of vehicles to the local market comprising the Gurkha 4×4, the Kargo King bakkie, and the Traveller in midi-bus, panel van, and ambulance configurations.
The Traveller is aimed at “mini- and midi-bus taxi operators who are looking for an affordable vehicle”. In contrast, the Gurkha is for “serious off-roading enthusiasts who require the use of independently controlled differential locks to get out of tricky situations,” said Force Motors.
As its name suggests, the Kargo King is a single-cab workhorse aligned with commercial customers’ needs, TopAuto added.
“We believe that we have the right products to cater to different customer segments and with this association look forward to emerging as a strong brand in multiple African markets,” aid Prasan Firodia, managing director of Force Motors.
Gurkha specifications
The Gurkha will be competing in a small segment when it comes to South Africa, the category of mini 4x4s, which the Suzuki Jimny currently dominates.
In India, the Force off-roader is sold in one trim line powered by a 2.6-litre diesel engine that generates 67kW and 250Nm, said TopAuto.
The rugged mini-SUV has a 700mm water-wading depth, a maximum incline of 35 degrees, as well as mechanically-locking differentials on the front and rear axles.
TopAuto added that standard equipment includes a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, full-LED headlamps with daytime running and cornering lamps, rear parking sensors, central locking, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ABS, and dual airbags.
The Gurkha also offers seating for four passengers, and it measures 4,116mm long, 1,812mm wide, and 2,075mm tall, with a cargo capacity of 500 litres.
