5-Door Mahindra Gurkha: A Hardcore Off-Roader with Improved Comfort
The Mahindra Gurkha stands out from the crowd of SUVs with its ruggedness. It’s built on a true ladder frame, equipped with locking differentials, and offers towering ground clearance. Its impressive 700mm water wading capability allows it to tackle various terrains.
The new 5-door variant offers enhanced space. While still exceptional off-road, the Gurkha now provides improved on-road comfort. Its 18-inch wheels, 233mm ground clearance, and snorkel enhance its imposing presence.
Addressing power concerns, the Gurkha now boasts 140 bhp and 320Nm torque. The clutch is less strenuous, and the new 5-speed manual transmission is smoother.
Despite the engine’s noise and long gear throws, the Gurkha delivers ample torque and cruises comfortably. The elevated driving position provides excellent visibility.
The Gurkha now includes essential features: an inside fuel lid opener, dead pedal, rear camera, smartphone connectivity, tire pressure monitoring system, and digital driver display. However, it lacks a sunroof and cooled seats.
The 5-door configuration introduces usable rear seats with adequate headroom and a roof blower for cooling. Knee room is limited, but an armrest is provided. Accessing the third row requires using the tailgate, but it offers surprising space. Luggage capacity is compromised, necessitating a roof rack.
Off-road, the Gurkha excels. It combines ruggedness with improved comfort for committed enthusiasts. However, it remains primarily suited for off-road adventures and lacks certain features and an automatic transmission.
For those seeking a third car or a vehicle primarily intended for off-roading with decent on-road capabilities, the 5-door Mahindra Gurkha offers a compelling option.
