FORCE MOTORS TRAX CRUISER

The 2026 Force Motors Trax Cruiser is a light commercial passenger MUV/van built in India for institutional, fleet, tour operator, and school/staff transport duty. It uses a robust ladder-frame chassis and a single 2.6‑litre common-rail turbo‑diesel powertrain across four passenger trims: 9 STR, 12 STR, 9 STR AC, and 12 STR AC, all rear‑wheel‑drive with a focus on durability, high seating density, and low operating costs. Key highlights include a long 3050 mm wheelbase, ABS+EBD disc brakes, high ground clearance, and purpose-built interiors optimised for passenger movement and commercial use.

Trim & Transmission Lineup

All trims share the same engine, transmission, and drivetrain; they differ mainly in seating capacity and presence/absence of factory AC.

\*Different sources quote 9–13 passenger configurations; for the standard commercial people‑mover lineup in India, 9‑seater and 12‑seater formats (plus driver) are the core institutional/fleet configurations.

Engine meets BS‑VI Stage 2 emissions as per Force’s current FM 2.6 CR CD application in Trax family (inferred from manufacturer emission updates; explicit stage naming is consistent with latest BS6 Phase 2 norms).

Dimensions

Core dimensions are identical across all four trims; only interior seating layout changes.

Where figures differ slightly across sources, values above reflect the most frequently cited and manufacturer‑aligned dimensions.

Seating & Cabin Layout

Common Body & Door Configuration

• Body style: Long‑wheelbase, high‑roof van/MUV with two front doors and a large side passenger door on the left (sliding or wide swing type, market dependent), plus rear tailgate/door for luggage access.
• Cabin type: Single‑volume cabin with integrated cargo/passenger space, flat floor and high roof for easier entry/exit and stand‑up movement within limits.

9 STR & 9 STR AC (9+D)

Typical layout for fleet/school/staff

• Row‑wise layout (front to rear)
• Row 1: Driver + co‑driver (individual bucket seats, adjustable; integrated headrests or fixed high back).
• Row 2: 2–3‑seat bench, usually with partial aisle towards the door side.
• Row 3: 3‑seat bench, with aisle gap depending on configuration.
• Rear luggage bay: Noticeable luggage space behind last row for bags and equipment, making 9 STR suitable for tourist and staff runs where baggage is carried.
• Seat type
• Front seats: individual seats with adjustable backrest.
• Rear seats: high‑back bench seats with integrated headrests or raised cushions; vinyl/fabric mix optimized for durability.
• Aisle access: Central or side aisle depending on bench segmentation; passengers enter from side door and move along aisle to respective row.

Differences between 9 STR and 9 STR AC

• Cabin layout is same in terms of seating positions; 9 STR AC adds AC hardware and roof vents, which slightly reduces overhead storage but improves comfort.
• Rear luggage space remains similar; AC ducting is integrated in roof without major loss of cargo area.

12 STR & 12 STR AC (12+D)

Optimised for maximum passenger density for school and staff transport

• Row‑wise layout
• Row 1: Driver + co‑driver (individual seats).
• Row 2: Full‑width 3‑ or 4‑seat bench.
• Row 3: Full‑width 3‑ or 4‑seat bench.
• Row 4 (rear): Additional bench to reach 12 passengers total, often 3‑seat, located close to rear door.
• Seat type: Bench seats across rows, usually equal width, with slim backrests to maximise space; rear bench slightly more upright.
• Aisle access
• Narrow central aisle or staggered seating with side aisle; passengers load from side door and move rearwards.
• Because of the extra row, luggage space behind the last bench is smaller than in 9‑seater variants; 12 STR is more suited to short‑haul staff/school runs than heavy baggage tourist duty.

Differences between 12 STR and 12 STR AC

• 12 STR AC adds full‑cabin AC vents and requires careful duct routing along the roof; rear‑most row sits close to roof duct but gains direct airflow from dedicated vents.
• Slight reduction in overhead utility space vs non‑AC due to AC ducting and roof unit, but seating positions and legroom remain unchanged.

Interior Trim & Upholstery Differences (AC vs Non‑AC)

• Non‑AC (9 STR, 12 STR)
• Plainer vinyl or fabric upholstery optimised for cleanability in fleet use.
• Basic door pads, exposed painted metal on some surfaces for durability.
• Simple roof liner (PVC/fibreboard) with minimal insulation.
• AC (9 STR AC, 12 STR AC)
• Slightly enhanced upholstery (better grade vinyl/fabric, contrasting stitching in some builds).
• Thicker roof liner with integrated AC ducts and multi‑row blower vents, improving NVH and thermal insulation.
• Additional trim around HVAC controls and vents in the front, sometimes a partitioned roof console.

Suspension & Ride

All variants share the same underpinnings

• Front suspension
• Independent double‑wishbone with coil springs and anti‑roll bar, tuned for load‑carrying and uneven rural/urban roads.
• Rear suspension
• Heavy‑duty leaf springs with anti‑roll bar, designed for high passenger loads and continuous commercial operation.
• Steering system
• Hydraulic power‑assisted steering, with relatively low effort even when fully loaded; tilt function on most BS6 applications.
• Tyres
• 215/75 R15 LT radial tubeless, commercial‑grade “LT” (Light Truck) tyres with reinforced sidewalls for load and durability.
• Brakes
• Front: Disc brakes with vacuum‑assisted hydraulics.
• Rear: Drum brakes, large diameter for better heat capacity under load.
• ABS + EBD: Standard on BS6 Trax Cruiser to meet safety norms and improve stability under emergency braking.
• Ride character (inferred from reviews and test drives)
• Firm, load‑biased suspension; rides best with several passengers on board.
• High ground clearance and long wheelbase help stability on highways and broken roads, but body roll can be noticeable when unladen due to tall body and high CG.

Safety Features

Safety content is focused on meeting current Indian commercial people‑mover requirements

• Active Safety
• ABS (Anti‑lock Braking System) across BS6 line‑up.
• EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) integrated with ABS for more stable braking on uneven loads.
• High ground clearance and strong suspension to avoid bottoming out on rough routes.
• Passive Safety & Occupant Protection
• Dual front airbags (driver + passenger) on current BS6 Trax Cruiser passenger models.
• 3‑point seat belts for front seats; lap or 2‑point belts for rear bench positions depending on row and regulation updates (school/contract carriage operators may specify full 3‑point belts, but base fit often mixes types).
• Reinforced ladder‑frame chassis designed to carry high loads; updated wider/longer frame versus older Trax generations for better stability.
• High‑strength body shell with intrusion beams in doors (inferred from segment practice and manufacturer emphasis on ruggedness).
• Visibility & Control
• Large outside rear‑view mirrors (ORVMs) on both sides; tall mounting for wide rearward visibility.
• Internal rear‑view mirror, wide‑angle.
• Large glass area and tall windows for good outward visibility, especially important for school/staff operations.
• Other Functional Safety
• High‑mounted rear brake lamp on tailgate (varies by batch, but BS6 vans typically include it).
• Side‑step/footboard for safe entry/exit, especially for children and elderly passengers.
• Grab handles at doorways and in cabin to aid boarding and movement when vehicle is stationary.

Comfort & Interior Features by Trim

Common Comfort/Utility Features (All Trims)

• Dashboard & Controls
• Simple, functional dashboard with clear analogue instrumentation (speedometer, fuel, temperature, warning lights).
• Central console with basic audio provision (2‑DIN or 1‑DIN slot), 12V charging socket; actual audio head unit often dealer‑fitted in fleet vehicles.
• Manual window winders on most doors; power windows may be limited to front doors in some builds or left to retrofit, depending on fleet spec.
• Seating & Cabin
• High‑back bench seats in passenger rows with durable vinyl/fabric covers for easy cleaning.
• Integrated or separate headrests on front seats; rear benches typically have short or medium‑height backs.
• Flat, heavy‑duty flooring, usually vinyl mat over metal floor for easy wash‑down.
• Multiple grab handles along roof and pillars for passenger support.
• Ventilation & Lighting
• Large sliding/wind‑down windows for natural ventilation in non‑AC trims.
• Interior dome lights, usually one at front and one mid/rear cabin.

AC vs Non‑AC Trim Differences

Non‑AC (9 STR, 12 STR)

• HVAC
• Basic heater and fresh‑air blower for front cabin; rear passengers rely on window ventilation.
• Manual slider/rotary controls; no rear AC vents.
• NVH & Insulation
• Standard roof liner and minimal insulation; more engine and road noise enters the cabin.
• Suitable for short‑haul and rural routes where AC is not prioritised.

AC (9 STR AC, 12 STR AC)

• HVAC System
• Factory‑fitted AC with front evaporator and extended ducting to rear cabin.
• Roof‑mounted or overhead ducts with multiple blower vents covering all rows, including rear bench; this is especially emphasised in 12‑seater AC reviews.
• Dedicated AC control panel with fan speed and temperature knobs; higher blower capacity to manage large cabin volume.
• Cabin Comfort Enhancements
• Better cabin insulation in roof and firewall to retain cooling and reduce noise.
• Slightly upgraded trim on door pads and roof (plastic mouldings with integrated vents).
• AC variants are preferred by tour operators and corporate staff fleets, especially in hot regions.

Other Interior/Convenience Notes (Applicable More to AC/Top Trims)

• Optional or dealer‑fitted music system, speakers in front and sometimes mid‑cabin.
• Mobile charging points (12V socket; USB in some accessory packages).
• Sun visors for driver and co‑driver; front cabin storage pockets (glove box, dash tray).

Available Colors

Force Trax Cruiser in current BS6 passenger form is widely documented as being offered in a single exterior color: White.

Exterior Features

The Trax Cruiser’s exterior is designed for function and durability rather than aesthetics, with subtle differences mainly in AC roof hardware rather than core styling.

Front End

• Grille
• Bold, rectangular grille with horizontal slats, finished in black or dark grey plastic; Force logo centrally mounted.
• Headlamps
• Large halogen reflector headlamps, clear‑lens type for good spread.
• Integrated turn indicators adjacent to headlamp cluster.
• Front Bumper
• Heavy‑duty black plastic or painted steel bumper depending on trim; designed to withstand minor impacts in commercial use.
• Provision for front tow hooks and number plate mount.

Side Profile

• Body & Windows
• Long, straight beltline with multiple large side windows for each passenger row.
• Sliding/hinged side door on left for passenger entry; right side retains solid panels and front door.
• Mirrors
• Large rectangular ORVMs mounted on sturdy arms, manually adjustable, designed to extend out far enough to see rear corners of the long body.
• Wheels
• 15‑inch steel rims with 215/75 R15 LT tyres.
• Simple centre hub cap or basic wheel caps on some passenger trims; fleet units may run bare steel wheels for ease of maintenance.

Rear End

• Tailgate/Rear Door
• Full‑height rear door/tailgate for access to rear seats and luggage area.
• High‑mounted stop lamp (varies by production batch but commonly seen on BS6 passenger models).
• Tail Lamps
• Vertical or rectangular tail‑lamp clusters with brake, indicator, and reverse lamp segments.
• Rear Bumper
• Simple, sturdy bumper (black or painted); step integrated or side steps near rear wheels for access.

Roof & AC‑Specific Exterior Features (AC Trims)

• Roof profile: High roof across all variants to provide headroom; AC variants may feature visible AC condenser/evaporator housings and extra vents/grilles on front fascia or roof area (depending on HVAC architecture).
• Roof rails: Not standard; some fleet operators add aftermarket racks for luggage on 9‑seater tourist configurations.

Overall, the 2026 Force Trax Cruiser in 9 STR, 12 STR, 9 STR AC and 12 STR AC trims offers a single robust mechanical package with multiple seating and AC options tailored for institutions, schools, staff transport fleets and tour operators, combining high capacity, durable suspension, ABS+EBD braking, and a simple but functional cabin suited to intensive commercial use.