Force Traveller Mini Bus and other variants spotted testing in Pune

When there is just one model in your portfolio that is earning you your bread and butter, you invariably tend to throw your weight on that particular model. Unfortunately, Pune-based Force Motors is in such a situation right now. Except the Mercedes-Benz based Traveller that has been a top-seller in its segment for more than a decade now, none of the company’s other models including the Force One, it’s much hyped and recently launched premium SUV, has succeeded in our market. So, it’s only quite natural that Force Motors would do all it takes and all it can to ensure that the Traveller success story continues. Here is proof that the company is doing just that.

Believe it or not, three different variants of Force Travellers were spotted testing at different timings in different areas of Pune City on the same day, clearly indicating that the Traveller range is all set for a major expansion and upgrade. Currently, the Traveller comes in no less than 4 wheelbase options with variants that include everything from a luxury version with individual push-back seats and factory-fitted air-conditioning system to factory-built special purpose vehicles like school buses and ambulances. All the variants though share the same Mercedes-Benz derived 2.6 liter turbocharged engine with a maximum power output of 82 HP.

Coming to the variants that were spotted testing, the first one was a Traveller Luxury identifiable with the roof-mounted air-conditioning unit. It looked absolutely normal from the rear and the sides but the front end was partly camouflaged. Does that hint at a minor facelift that could be on the way? The second test vehicle spotted was the base-variant and it had nothing different from the existing model except for the unique brown color and a 'Bosch-Force Test Vehicle' sticker. With a lot of rumors of the possible launch of a common-rail diesel engine in the Traveller circulating around, has Force Motors joined hands with Bosch, global leaders in common-rail systems, for developing this technology?

The third and perhaps the most interesting variant spotted was this long wheelbase variant. Closer inspection revealed that this test vehicle was not having the split rear tailgate with external hinges that are a staple feature on all Travellers. Instead, it came fitted with a nice looking fixed rear windshield. Also, there were two rear tires on each side of the vehicle, something that even the Traveller Smooth, the longest variant in the existing lineup with a whopping 4020mm wheelbase, does not come with. So, is Force Motors trying to sneak into the mini-bus segment with this variant of the Traveller that, if launched, will have the advantage of monocoque construction and an already popular lineage?

We are not betting against any of these as we know that the Traveller is a very important model for Force Motors and it plays a significant role in the sustainability of the company itself. Now that all the questions from our side are listed out, its upto Force Motors to give us the definitive answers. The wait begins.

EDIT: We just heard that all variants of the Force Traveller are already being powered by a Mercedes-Benz derived common rail diesel engine. If this is true, then the company's website is still not updated with this critical info. The inconvenience caused is regretted. Also, reports are out that Force Motors is planning to launch a 26-seater mini bus at the Auto Expo in January. The third vehicle that you see in this post would most likely be the one that is being referred to here.