Force Motors is back in the news, and this time, it’s not just about the Gurkha. Fresh spy shots reveal that the brand is also testing its Urbania premium van again, and this test mule might be hinting at something big — an automatic gearbox version could be on the cards, especially for export markets. And if that happens, there’s a solid chance we might see it land in India too.
Let’s break it all down.
Urbania Spied in LHD Form
The vehicle caught on camera appears to be a Left-Hand Drive (LHD) variant of the Force Urbania, clearly intended for countries that follow right-hand traffic norms. While India uses right-hand drive (RHD), Force Motors builds the Urbania in both formats for global markets.
Urbania, if you didn’t know already, isn’t just a people mover anymore. What started as a van aimed at fleet buyers, tourism businesses, and shuttle operators has now evolved into a premium offering even for private buyers. That’s a rare sight in India’s large van space. And now, Force seems to be preparing for the next big step.
Automatic Gearbox in Development
The real headline here is the potential for an automatic transmission. Our source suggests that the Urbania is being tested with a new automatic gearbox specifically for international markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where demand for automatics is high.
This might seem like a global-only play at first, but considering the Urbania is already being sold to private buyers in India, the move to offer an automatic variant here makes perfect sense. A more premium, easier-to-drive Urbania would appeal to personal users, airport shuttle services, and hospitality brands looking for comfort and practicality.
Why Urbania Automatic Matters
Right now, the Force Urbania is offered with a Mercedes-derived FM CR 2.6-litre turbo diesel engine, mated only to a 5-speed manual transmission. For long-distance touring or city duty, an automatic option would offer added convenience — especially for chauffeur-driven or family buyers who want stress-free mobility.
It could also position Urbania as a more premium product compared to traditional commercial vans and people movers in India. Given Force’s recent expansion into private buyer territory, it feels like a natural next move.
Could Gurkha Benefit Too?
Here’s where things get even more interesting. The Gurkha SUV shares the same engine as the Urbania. So, if Force does finalize an automatic gearbox for the Urbania, there’s every chance that this transmission could be offered with the Gurkha too.
Right now, the Force Gurkha is only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox, which feels outdated compared to rivals like the Mahindra Thar and Thar Roxx, both of which offer 6-speed automatics. Adding an automatic transmission could dramatically increase the Gurkha’s appeal, especially to urban buyers who want rugged looks but prefer easy driving.
A Step Towards Global Strategy
It’s worth noting that Urbania is already a global product. Launched in markets such as Nepal, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, Force Motors has been actively pushing its export presence. The LHD variant caught testing could be one of several new configurations planned to cater to different regional demands.
By developing an automatic gearbox, Force Motors isn’t just aiming at international markets — it’s also future-proofing its Indian offerings. Especially now, when comfort, convenience, and automatic gearboxes are no longer just luxuries, but expectations across segments.
India Launch Expectations
There’s no official confirmation yet, but if the automatic gearbox variant is indeed being tested and validated globally, an Indian launch could happen as early as 2025. It might debut first on Urbania’s LHD export versions before making its way to the RHD Indian models.
And if it arrives, expect both the Urbania and possibly the Gurkha to get this new transmission setup.
Key Points
• Force Motors spotted testing a Left-Hand Drive (LHD) Urbania in India
• Urbania could be getting an automatic gearbox for export markets
• If confirmed, the automatic variant might also come to India
• Urbania currently offered with 2.6L Mercedes-derived turbo diesel + 5-speed manual
• An automatic option would boost its appeal among private and premium commercial buyers
• The same gearbox could also be used in the Force Gurkha SUV
• Gurkha rivals like Mahindra Thar already offer 6-speed automatic transmissions
• Potential India launch for automatic Urbania: Likely in 2025
If Force pulls this off, both Urbania and Gurkha could finally get the boost they need to compete better in their segments. For now, we’ll keep watching those test mules and wait for the official word. But the road ahead looks promising.