Force Motors has launched the Deluxe versions of the Toofan and Cruiser for the festive season that gets new graphics while a power steering and AC unit makes things comfortable for the driver.
While Force Motors’ attempt at making a foray in the passenger vehicle space may not have panned out as hoped, the manufacturer continues to do well with the Trax series that has quite a following in Tier III and IV markets. Expanding the existing lineup, the Indian automaker has added two new variants to the Trax series called the Toofan Deluxe and Cruiser Deluxe that were recently launched keeping up with the festive season. The Trax range starts at Rs. 6.86 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the base variants.
Bare bones in most ways, the new Force Trax Toofan Deluxe and Cruiser Deluxe models retain the now identifiable styling (inspired from the Mercedes G-Wagen) but gets new graphics to boast off. The cabin continues with the same layout and gets a power steering and air-con unit as part of creature comforts. Given the size of the cabin, there are dual air-con vents that allow uniform cooling. In terms of differences, the Toofan Deluxe comes with a seating capacity of 12 (11 + driver) whereas the Cruiser Deluxe comes in multiple seating options including a 10-seater (with 4WD) and 13-seater layout.
Power on the new Force Trax Toofan Deluxe and Cruiser Deluxe comes from a 2.6-litre four-cylinder diesel engine sourced from Mercedes and churns out 81 PS of power at 3200 RPM and 230 Nm of torque available between 1800-2000 RPM, paired to a 5-speed gearbox. The MUV gets a solid torsion bar with hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers at the front while conventional leaf springs do suspension duties at the rear. An anti-roll bar helps contain body roll. The ground clearance stands at 210 mm, making the Trax easy to handle the rough terrain in rural areas.
The new Force Trax series will continue to be sold in smaller cities and towns given the fact that the engine is a BS III unit. That said, the automaker has been working on making the motor BS IV compliant, which will be necessary once the emission norms are levied pan India from April 2017. More recently, a seven door version of the Trax was also caught testing with a longer wheelbase and extra row, but is yet to hit the market.
