The new, third-generation Mini hatchback will be launched in India on November 19, 2014. The ‘retro-chic’ hatchback in this latest avatar is larger and more spacious than the outgoing Mini, and gets a whole new range of engines as well.
Two models will be on offer, the Cooper S petrol and a Cooper D diesel. The Cooper S will come with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol and the Cooper D will get a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbo diesel motor.
The new Mini’s cabin is also as well appointed as ever before, with quality levels right up there with luxury sedans – Mini is owned by BMW after all. As expected, it also looks very retro, with lots of circular surfaces, quirky details, and even toggle switches. The dials have moved back to where they belong behind the steering wheel, while the big circular central display is now dedicated to a screen for Mini’s version of BMW’s i-Drive onboard computer.
When the hatchback goes on sale next month, we expect prices to start at Rs 32 lakh. With regards to body styles, the car will be launched in three-door hatchback guise, and a more practical five-door model. However, since the convertible and Countryman crossover versions of this new Mini have yet to be unveiled even globally, the launch of those versions is still a long while away.
The best news, if you’re a Mini fan, however, is that you don’t have to wait for the car’s launch to be able to test drive one. The company is currently holding a competition that will allow the winner to get an early test drive of the all-new hatchback. All it takes to enter is to post a ‘selfie’ of you with a Mini on Autocar India’s Facebook page. It could be any Mini – one you see parked by the side of the road or in a parking lot, maybe at the Mini showroom nearest to you, or even just a picture of a Mini on your computer’s desktop; the more creative, the better your chances of winning. For more details, go to the Mini Epic Drive contest site.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
