BMW has launched the new, third-generation Mini in India starting at Rs 31.85 lakh for the three-door Cooper D. Alongside the three-door, there's a new five-door body style too, offered for the first time by Mini at a price of Rs 35.20 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom, India).
These new models are also larger and more spacious than the outgoing Minis. Both the three-door and five-door Minis have been made available only in Cooper D (diesel) guise as of now. The petrol powered Cooper S is expected to arrive in our showrooms in the first quarter of next year.
The diesel engine is all-new, a 1.5-litre twin turbo unit that delivers 114bhp and 27.5kgm of torque and sends power to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. The powertrain is shared by the three-door and five-door versions. Mechanically, the third-gen car sits on BMW's new UKL front-wheel drive platform (which will also be used on the next-gen BMW 1-series), gets a new front suspension and also, a revised rear suspension set-up.
In terms of design, on the outside, there are some new elements like the bulbous and prominent nose, contrasting roof, and some decals. The cabin retains its retro-ness with a number of circular surfaces and toggle switches. The speedometer has been moved back to behind the steering wheel, while the big central screen takes pride of place on the dashboard.
Read more on the new Mini Cooper:
Lenny D'sa
Saptarshi Mondal
Uday Singh
Viraaj Bhatnagar
