BMW-owned, premium subcompact car manufacturer Mini launched its latest product for the Indian market in the form of the Countryman on Thursday. Introduced in three variants — the Mini Countryman Cooper S and Mini Countryman Cooper S JCW and the Mini Countryman Cooper SD (diesel) — the car comes with price tags of Rs 34,90,000, Rs 41,40,000 and Rs 37,40,000 (all prices ex-showroom) respectively.
Priced at par with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1, the car, which was first showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo, will fight it out in India’s growing small luxury SUV space.
The design of the car speaks of enhanced practicality, comfort and luxury. The bumpers have been toned down, while the thicker cladding around the wheels adds to the muscle. The front fascia comes with a similar grille, but lends the new Mini an uplifted overall appeal as compared to the outgoing model.
Underpinning the Countryman is the UKL1 frontwheel-drive platform with BMW X1, manufactured locally at the Chennai-based plant. Power is derived from an all-new range of petrol and diesel engines that was developed using the latest Mini TwinPower Turbo Technology.
The petrol mill is a 2.0-litre turbo unit, putting out 192hp of power and 280Nm of torque. The diesel, on the other hand, is a 2.0-litre powerplant with an output of 190hp and a torque rating of 400Nm. Power is sent to only the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox as the global all-wheel drive technology has eluded Indian shores.
Features like the the latest iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen are offered as standard. However, a bunch of others are offered as optional.
The sportier-looking S JCW Inspired variant packs in air ducts in the front apron, 18-inch alloy wheels (non-JCW variants get 17-inchers), a rear spoiler and other additional equipment such as a rear view camera, a sporty steering wheel, a Harman Kardon system, a head-up display, wireless charging and stainless steel pedal covers.
The all-new Mini Countryman will be available in five colours: Island Blue, Light White, Chilli Red, Melting Silver and Thunder Grey as well as British Racing Green offered exclusively for the MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired.
BMW Group India president, Vikram Pahwah also introduced the new Mini logo on the occasion.
“The latest redesign of Mini logo and showroom (Delhi) brings in a new chapter in the inspiring history of the brand. The purpose of reinventing ourselves is to become even closer to the MINI target group ideology that is progressive, creative and modern,” he said.
