BMW India, a subsidiary of the German luxury automotive marque, has rolled out the diesel model of its Mini Cooper D Countryman in the domestic premium car market. Two variants have been launched- Cooper D Countryman and Cooper D Countryman High at price tags of Rs. 25.6 lakh and Rs. 28.9 lakh, respectively (prices in the ex-showrooms of Mumbai).
The new Mini Cooper D Countryman models are imported in the Indian auto market as Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits, which are then assembled at the company’s Chennai-based facility. Prior to launch of new diesel models, the Countryman petrol trim is already on offer in the country. The new D Countryman models mark the arrival of first diesel powered Mini Cooper cars in the Indian premium car market.
The BMW-owned Mini brand announced in April 2013 that it has started localised assembly operations from its Chennai based manufacturing facility. Interestingly, India became only the third country after United Kingdom and Austria that manufactures Mini cars in the world. Regarding the same, Mini said in a statement, “A new chapter is set to be written in Mini's global success story as cars from the British premium brand roll off an assembly line outside Europe for the first time. The Group today announced the commencement of local production of MINI Countryman at BMW Plant near Chennai.”
Coming to under-the-hood specifications of new Mini Cooper D Countryman, the stylish model is powered by a 1.6 litre diesel motor that develops a peak power and torque equation of 120 bhp and 270 Nm, respectively. The diesel Countryman models are available across all Mini dealerships in the country.
Speaking on the brand image of Mini cars in the country, Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India, has been quoted as saying, “Mini is a personality on wheels — a fashion statement and a way of life. No other brand exhibits the attributes and essence of a modern urban lifestyle and there is no doubt that it is one of the world's most emotional auto brands. It is all about pushing limits and this evening is an extension of Mini's extroverted and likeable character.”
