Force Motors launches base and 4x4 variants of Force One
31 Jul 2013
Force Motors today launched the base variant and the 4x4 version of Force One. The base variant carries a price tag of Rs8.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This version is not powered by the 2.2-litre engine that powers Force One. It comes with a 2.6-litre engine that produces 82 bhp of power and 230 Nm of maximum torque.
The base model also does not feature daylight running lamps nor fog lamps. The model also lacks the roof rails and the alloy wheels, though it retains the electrically adjustable mirrors. It also does not feature an integrated music system and the seats too are wrapped in fabric.
The new 4x4 has ABS as also the shift on fly 4x4 with electronic slip differential. The regular 4x2 model would now be called SX, and it also has ABS as an optional pack. The 4x4 comes with the 2.2-litre Daimler engine, producing about 140 bhp of maximum power and 321 Nm of peak torque.
Force Motors said it was looking at around 5 per cent growth in sales this fiscal with the new product launches amid a tough automobile market.
According to the Pune-based company, the slowdown would not affect its plan of investing Rs1,000 crore till the first quarter of 2014 to bring new products and overall network expansion in India.
"For us fortunately, the segments in which we are present are not affected as badly as others, specially in the commercial vehicles. So overall we are looking at about 5 per cent sales growth this year," Firodia told reporters in New Delhi.
The Force One Ex variant priced at Rs8.99 lakh (pan India) would target Tier II and III towns, according to Firodia. He added that within six months the company would upgrade the engine of this variant to BS IV from the current BS III in order to be able to sell in cities like Delhi.
The company has plans for the launch of a new nine-seater multi-purpose vehicle licensed from Mercedes by first quarter of 2014.