New 2013 Mini Countryman Diesel review, test drive

    The Mini Countryman diesel, thanks to local assembly, is a lot cheaper than its petrol-engined sibling. So at Rs 28.9 lakh, does it stand out?

    Published on Jul 19, 2013 09:07:00 AM

    91,271 Views

    Make : Mini
    Model : Countryman

    The Countryman D is the first Mini to be assembled in India. This translates to a price tag of Rs 28.9 lakh, which is a significant Rs 8.6 lakh less than the fully imported petrol-engined Countryman High. The Countryman D joins the likes of the Mercedes-Benz A-class, the upcoming BMW 1-series and the Volvo V40 Cross Country in the upcoming premium luxury hatchback segment. To take on its formidable competition, the Countryman has a few weapons in its arsenal – its tall upright stance makes it a lot more spacious than the others and there is plenty to like about its funky interiors. Still, at this price, the Mini has to feel extra special to stand out, and exactly how special it feels is what we are going to find out.

    It may look like a hatchback, but at over four metres long, it’s large enough to be called a Maxi. The Countryman is also the first Mini to have five doors and Mini’s designers have gone to some lengths to ensure that it won’t be mistaken for anything other than a Mini. Still, we’re not totally sold on how these styling characteristics integrate into the Countryman’s bigger proportions, but there is quite a lot to take in – the power bulge on the huge clamshell bonnet, for example, or the complex detailing of the headlights and the Volkswagen-like bootlid badge that doubles up as a tailgate handle. Still, it doesn’t have the wow factor of the new A-class or even the unconventionally interesting styling of the Volvo V40. That said, the Countryman is over 100mm wider and about 150mm taller than the regular Mini hatchback and much taller than the other large hatches. This liberates a lot of space on the inside, making the Countryman the most practical and usable Mini ever. Continue..

     

     

    Copyright (c) Autocar India. All rights reserved.

    Comments
    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now
    Search By Car Price
    Poll of the month

    The Creta will be the third Hyundai N-Line model in India. Should more mass-market brands have sporty sub-brands?

    Yes, it's something special for enthusiasts

     

    18.29%

    Yes, but only if there is increased performance

     

    44.38%

    No, it's just a gimmick to increase the price

     

    29.40%

    It doesn't always work; just look at Tata JTP

     

    7.94%

    Total Votes : 1575
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe