Mini has introduced a limited-edition model of the Countryman (dubbed the Black Edition) at Rs 42.40 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Based on the Cooper S JCW Inspired variant of the crossover, the Black Edition commands a premium of Rs 1 lakh over the range-topping trim. Highlighting the model’s exclusivity, Mini has limited the availability of this special-edition Countryman to just 24 units for the Indian market.
As the name suggests, the new variant gets an all-black treatment both inside and out, and sports a host of exclusive accessories. These comprise a black front grille, bonnet stripes in matte black, ‘Countryman’ lettering in black on the tailgate, piano-black surrounds for the headlamps and tail-lights, black roof rails and carbon-fibre wing-mirror caps. Completing the stealthy look is a Midnight Black exterior paint shade and an all-black cabin with leather upholstery.
Based on the top-of-the-line trim level of the crossover, the Black Edition boasts a decent equipment list. It gets 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a rear spoiler and a John Cooper Works body kit. The comfort and convenience features on offer include keyless entry, an automatic tailgate, auto headlamps and wipers, powered front seats, two-zone automatic air conditioning and an 8.8-inch touchscreen system taking its pride of place on the dashboard. Safety is taken care of by driver and front passenger airbags, ABS, brake assist, ESC, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.
Changes on the Black Edition are limited to cosmetic tweaks only; and there are no revisions on the mechanical front, as such. It carries forward the same powertrain from the standard Cooper S and Cooper S JCW Inspired variants of the Countryman – a 192hp, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Mini Countryman, whose local assembly began at BMW’s Chennai plant last year, goes up against a host of small luxury SUVs in our market which includes the BMW X1, Volvo XC40, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
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