Remember those childhood school excursions packed in your school’s Tempo Traveller? The rumble of the diesel engine, the communal bench seating, and the wind rushing through open windows — a quintessential part of growing up in India. Fast forward to 2024, and Force Motors has reinvented the van experience with the Urbania. We recently embarked on a memorable journey with our entire office staff to the coastal town of Udvada in Gujarat, aboard the Urbania. That experience, vividly captured by Keshav in our 25th-anniversary issue, sparked a deeper intrigue. But before diving into this specific test, let’s rewind: the 90s Force, synonymous with the rugged ‘Tempo Traveller’. This Mercedes-derived workhorse served schools, ambulances, factory buses, and even airport shuttles, becoming an undeniable commercial vehicle icon. And here we are, with its modern avatar — the Urbania. Yet again, its lineage boasts the legendary Mercedes Sprinter van, a global success story. So, from the outset, Urbania’s foundation is undeniably strong.
Forget the boxy, utilitarian image of vans; the Urbania shatters expectations. Prepare to enter a cabin bathed in refinement, a stark its price range. Hold on tight, as we peel back the layers of the Force Urbania, a vehicle poised to redefine the van experience not just in India, but potentially on a global scale. While the Force Urbania boasts the robust platform of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, its exterior isn’t a mere badge-engineered copy. Sure, the overall silhouette retains the Sprinter’s practicality, but Force has given its own design language. The front end receives a distinct identity with a bold grille featuring the ‘Urbania’ emblem. The sweptback headlights are replaced with sharp, modern LED units that inject a contemporary flair. These lights, along with the chrome accents and sculpted bumper, give the Urbania a distinctive presence on the road, ensuring it turns heads more than your average commercial van. It’s a subtle yet effective makeover that strikes a balance between familiarity and individuality, hinting at the surprises that await within.
Our extensive road trip with the Urbania to Udvada offered ample opportunity to experience its interiors firsthand, and let me tell you, they surprised us in the best possible way. The days of cramped, uncomfortable van seating. The Urbania ushers in a new era of comfort, starting with the seats. We spent hours in them, navigating everything from cityscapes to winding coastal roads, and they emerged as champions of support and ergonomics. Even after extended stretches, fatigue was a distant memory, thanks to the well-sculpted design that cradled us perfectly.
Adding to the spacious feel is the Urbania’s impressive headroom. The high roof design eliminates the need for stooping — a welcome change from the usual ducking routine associated with vans. This generous headroom, combined with the ample legroom between seats, meant we could stretch out comfortably, even with luggage stowed overhead. And speaking of luggage, the Urbania’s cargo capacity is truly impressive. The thoughtful layout, with dedicated storage compartments and overhead bins, ensures everything stays organized and within reach. But the comfort doesn’t stop there. The powerful air conditioning system, tested on our sun-drenched journey, kept the entire cabin refreshingly cool, even with a full load of passengers. Individual AC vents and USB ports for each seat further personalized the experience, allowing everyone to adjust their comfort levels.
Force hasn’t just nailed passenger comfort; they’ve also considered versatility. The Urbania comes with multiple seating configurations, catering to diverse needs. This adaptability further underscores Urbania’s potential to revolutionize the van segment, offering a solution for virtually any need. Getting into the driver’s seat of the Urbania, you’re immediately struck by its scale. The expansive windshield and massive side mirrors offer a commanding view of the road, while the high seating position delivers a sense of control. The days of feeling dwarfed by commercial vehicles; Urbania instils confidence and awareness.
Step inside the driver’s cabin, and you’re met with a pleasant surprise. It’s unlike any commercial vehicle you’ve experienced before. The dashboard, while functional, exudes a surprisingly upscale feel. The bare-bones plastics and utilitarian switches; instead, you’re greeted with a blend of textures and accents that wouldn’t feel out of place in a car. Analogue dials with a central digital display provide essential information, while the touchscreen infotainment system seamlessly integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping you connected on the go. But here’s where the Urbania’s commercial roots shine through — the diesel engine’s characteristic clatter makes its presence known.
Don’t expect the hushed refinement of a luxury car; the Urbania is honest about its purpose. Under the hood lies a Mercedes-Benz-derived 2.6-litre BS6 CRDe unit, churning out 115 bhp and 35.69 kgm of torque. Coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox, it offers a rewarding driving experience. The gearshift feels surprisingly smooth and precise, a stark contrast to the clunky transmissions often found in commercial vehicles. However, don’t mistake refinement for speed. The Urbania prioritizes efficiency and practicality, taking its time to gather pace. Reaching 60 kph from a standstill takes a claimed 17.5 seconds, a number that reflects its workhorse nature.
So, how does the Urbania handle on the road? Surprisingly well, actually. The high centre of gravity might suggest otherwise, but the suspension does a commendable job of keeping body roll in check. It tackles uneven roads with composure, soaking up bumps with minimal fuss. The steering, while not razor-sharp, is direct and offers decent feedback, making manoeuvring in tight spaces easier than anticipated.
Remember, the Urbania’s strength lies in its ability to be a dependable companion, comfortably transporting people and cargo over long distances. Its true appeal lies in the unexpected blend of functionality, surprising comfort, and a touch of refinement that elevates it above the typical commercial van experience. The Force Urbania is a force to be reckoned with, literally and figuratively.
At ₹28.99 lakh, it carves out a unique niche in the Indian market, offering a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and unexpected refinement. While its diesel engine might be vocal about its commercial roots, the driving experience is surprisingly pleasant, with a smooth gearbox and predictable handling. The true star of the show, however, is the spacious and well-designed interior. The ample legroom, generous headroom, and individual AC vents ensure passenger comfort on long journeys.
But the Urbania’s versatility extends far beyond people-carrying. Its impressive cargo capacity and flexible seating configurations make it an ideal mobile office, a comfortable camper van, or even a dedicated support vehicle for your next photography or videography shoot. Imagine setting up a makeshift office with a massive 55-inch TV at the back, or using it as a mobile base for your cycling or off-roading expeditions. Sure, it might be wishful thinking, but Urbania’s adaptability fuels creative possibilities that transcend its commercial van classification. Is it the fastest van on the road? No. Does it offer the plush comfort of a luxury SUV? Not quite.
But what Urbania does offer is an unmatched combination of practicality, comfort, and value. It’s a vehicle that caters to diverse needs, from small businesses to adventurous families, doing so with a level of refinement that’s unexpected in this segment. So, if you’re seeking a versatile and functional van that doesn’t break the bank, the Force Urbania deserves a serious look. It might just surprise you with its capabilities and redefine what you thought a commercial van could be. And hey, who knows, maybe your dream mobile office or adventure.
