Force has started testing its pickup in India and the test mule for the same was spotted undergoing the testing procedure recently. Surprisingly, there was no camouflage with the rear number plate mentioning that the pickup in on testing exercise. The pickup model shares its styling cues with Gurkha including the design of alloy wheels. The split window at the rear was a nifty touch that would help occupants access the truck bed of the pickup. Another important feature is the side opening tailgate which is different from the folding down mechanism that we usually witness in case of majority of other pickups.
Force is likely to use the same 2.6-litre diesel engine from the Mercedes Benz that it uses in its other offerings. The engine is capable to put out 91bhp and 250Nm although the company might tune it differently for the use here in this pickup. The pickup might also receive additional tweaking in the rear suspension to carry extra loads and Force can equip it with off-road credentials to elevate its appeal among prospective buyers.
There is no official confirmation from Force on the launch of the pickup although it could be revealed for the Indian market later this year. Tata Xenon and Mahindra Scorpio Getaway have already been discontinued in India which means Force has a chance to fill the existing gap and achieve decent sales with this new pickup. Also, Force unveiled Ksatria SUV (5-door Gurkha) in Indonesia last year and the SUV has been spotted testing on Indian roads multiple times. It might get launched in the Indian market this year and if that happens, buyers will have another capable off-roader SUV to choose from in their list of probable.
