Pune: Force Motors Limited has launched the new Urbania Deluxe in India at a starting price of ₹28.7 lakh, ex-showroom, introducing a more powerful diesel engine, upgraded interiors, additional safety equipment and new passenger-focused technology.
The Urbania Deluxe will replace the current-generation Urbania as the company’s standard offering in the premium shared mobility segment. It will be available in three wheelbase options and eight seating layouts, ranging from 9+D to 16+D configurations, through Force Motors dealerships across India.
Powering the upgraded van is a Mercedes-derived 2.6-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine producing 100 kW, or 134 HP, and 350 Nm of torque. Force Motors said the higher output is intended to improve acceleration, drivability and performance, particularly when the vehicle is carrying a full complement of passengers and luggage.
Inside, the Urbania Deluxe receives a new premium cabin theme with leatherette seats, matching upholstery and wood-finish flooring. The changes are aimed at making longer journeys more comfortable and giving the cabin a more upmarket appearance — an increasingly important consideration in a segment where passengers now expect rather more than a seat and a functioning air-conditioner.
The vehicle is equipped with three-point seat belts for every passenger. Other safety features include airbags for the driver and co-driver, all-wheel disc brakes, Electronic Stability Program, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Engine Drag Torque Control.
A new TFT instrument cluster provides the driver with real-time vehicle information, alerts and assistance features. The dashboard also gains a customised 23 cm, or 9-inch, HD touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, online and offline navigation, an HD reversing camera, voice alerts and hands-free Bluetooth calling.
Passenger convenience features include a power-operated sliding footstep for easier entry and exit, along with illuminated USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports across all seating rows. The latter may prove especially useful on long journeys, where a dead smartphone can occasionally produce more concern than a delayed arrival.
The Urbania Deluxe also receives new 16-inch alloy wheels and an eight-speaker Digital Theatre System designed to provide a more immersive entertainment experience inside the cabin.
Force Motors is offering the vehicle with its Force Care ownership package, which includes the company’s i-Pulse telematics system, a five-year or 5 lakh km warranty, a three-year warranty on all sensors and three years of roadside assistance.
Speaking on the introduction of the new Urbania Deluxe, Mr. Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors Limited, said “With Urbania, we redefined premium shared passenger mobility in India and created an entirely new segment that has found strong acceptance both in India and across international markets. Its success reflects the growing preference for vehicles that combine superior comfort, safety and modern engineering. With the introduction of the new Urbania Deluxe, we are taking this platform to the next level with enhanced performance, premium features and advanced technology to meet the evolving expectations of our customers and deliver the premium travel experience passenger’s demand. As the premium mobility segment continues to evolve, we remain committed to enhancing our products and delivering mobility solutions that set new benchmarks in passenger comfort, safety and performance”.
Force Motors originally introduced the Urbania as India’s first fully ground-up modular monocoque van platform. The vehicle helped establish a more premium category within the country’s shared passenger transport market and has also developed a presence in international markets.
The launch comes as fleet operators, hotels, tourism companies, corporate transport providers and premium intercity travel businesses increasingly seek vehicles that combine higher seating capacity with car-like comfort, safety and connectivity.
By making the Deluxe specification the standard Urbania offering, Force Motors is signalling that premium shared mobility is moving beyond being a niche alternative. For passengers accustomed to cramped journeys and limited amenities, that shift could make group travel considerably more civilised.
