MINI will launch the second generation MINI Countryman in India tomorrow. This crossover version of BMW's popular hatchback range was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo and will be locally assembled at the Bavria-based automaker’s Chennai plant.
The Countryman Cooper S and S JCW Inspired are petrol powered and get a four-cylinder unit producing 192bhp/280Nm while the Countryman Cooper SD’s 2.0-litre heart produces 190bhp/400Nm. All three get only an eight-speed Steptronic with the JCW packaged model getting the eight-speed unit in the Sport setup.
Highlights of the exterior design include new headlamps and a grille. In profile, the Countryman has retained its ‘extended’ Mini look while at the rear, the signature rectangular tail lamps and large chrome badging has been carried over from the previous car. Of the three, the loudest will obviously be the JCW Inspired model that gets an exclusive (but optional) British Racing Green paint scheme with a white roof, mirror caps and hood stripes.
Standard features for all three models include the touchscreen system with the signature chrome surrounds, two-zone climate control, steering mounted audio controls, orange backlighting and black interiors.
The Mini Countryman range is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 41 lakhs to Rs 46 lakhs (ex-showroom). It takes on the Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 in the entry-level crossover fray of the Indian car market.
