Force Trax Explained

Tempo Trax
Manufacturer:Force Motors
Aka:Togo Tracker (Philippines)
Class:SUV
van
pickup
Layout:Front engine,
rear-/four-wheel drive
Engine:2.4 L OM616 diesel I4
2.4 L OM616 turbodiesel I4
2.6 L TD 2650 F diesel I4
2.6 L TD 2650 FTI turbodiesel I4
Transmission:5-speed manual
High/low-range for 4x4 versions
Wheelbase:2400-
Length:3882-
Width:1660mm
Height:2055-
Weight:1460-

The Trax is a series of "Multi Utility Vehicles" (MUVs) built by Force Motors in Pune, India (the company was called "Bajaj Tempo" at the time of introduction). There has also been an SUV version called the Gama, especially aimed at private buyers, while the vehicle also receives many additional names such as Cruiser and Judo.

The vehicles are of simple and durable construction, suited for the severe conditions found in the Indian countryside. Originally there were three models; the Town and Country, the Trax Challenger, and the Pick-up. In 1998, the four-wheel drive "Tempo Trax Gurkha" was introduced, originally aimed mostly at military users.[1] Since then, a plethora of versions have appeared: open top SUVs, comparatively luxurious station wagons, dropside pickups (Kargo King), ambulances, vans, and many special bodies are offered on three different wheelbases of 24000NaN0, 30300NaN0 (Kargo King),[2] or 30500NaN0.[3] The Trax can hold up to 13 passengers in the LWB versions.[4]

The engines used were originally versions of Mercedes-Benz OM616 2.4 litre four-cylinder diesel, with an available turbo version for the top-of-the-line Trax Gurkha, but these have been replaced by a larger 2596cc TD 2650 F, still Mercedes derived. Power is 610NaN0 at 3,200 rpm, with a 750NaN0 turbocharged and intercooled version (TD 2650 FTI) used for the 4x4 Gurkha version.[3]

In Philippines, Tempo Trax rebadged version, Togo Tracker is locally made by Morales Motors. The Tracker also offered as passenger van or chassis cab for jeepneys and utility trucks.

Notes and References

  1. Lower Sales . Economic and Political Weekly . 44 . 33 . Mumbai, India . Sameeksha Trust . 2765 . 31 October 1998 .
  2. Web site: Trax Kargo-King . https://web.archive.org/web/20101007053512/http://forcemotors.com/Kargo_King.html . . 7 October 2010 .
  3. Web site: Trax Gurkha/Cruiser . https://web.archive.org/web/20101007051503/http://forcemotors.com/Trax_Cruiser.html . . 7 October 2010 .
  4. Web site: Multiutility Vehicles . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110107055150/http://panworldgroup.com/muv.htm . 7 January 2011 . Pan World.