Mini Petrol Cars in India (3)

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The BMW 4 Series Convertible M440i xDrive is the one we'd recommend. It's easily the best to drive, with excellent performance from its six-cylinder engine and keen handling to match. The M440i Convertible also has great show value and stands out among other luxury cars. The only thing that works against the BMW is that its interior doesn't feel distinct enough from other BMWs. We are also big fans of the Mini Cooper Convertible. It's got a personality of its own, and is good fun to drive. The turbo-petrol engine gives it sufficient zip, and the Mini characteristic go-kart handling is intact even on the convertible. This means the Mini will put a smile on your face even over everyday drives. It's not the most practical of convertibles you can have, but with the roof down, you can transport four adults for short distances. The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet 300 4Matic is a pleasant convertible that is more about smooth performance rather than outright driver involvement.

BMW 4 Series Convertible

Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet

Mini Cooper Convertible

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The Skoda Octavia RS will seem like a natural upgrade from your Punto Abarth. Its 2.0 TSI delivers strong performance, and its handling feels sharp thus delivering a genuinely engaging driving experience, while also feeling more premium, more comfortable and more usable as a daily driver. Overall, the Octavia RS feels like a mature, sophisticated performance sedan, which lacks a bit of the Abarth's drama visually or as far as power delivery goes, it is a car that should rank high up on your shortlist.If you're keen on something of a similar size with stronger performance and excellent (go-kart-like) handling, consider the Mini Cooper S. As far as practicality and value gom the Octavia RS is far better, but the Mini is a lot more thrilling to drive, and has a lot more character. A Mini Countryman JCW All4 is a more expensive alternative, but if you're getting a good deal on one, it has the performance, sporty handling, drama and the practicality to be the right upgrade for you.Lastly, if you're open to 2-3-year-old pre-owned options a Mercedes-Benz GLA 35 AMG under Rs 40 lakh, and a BMW M340i under Rs 55 lakh are excellent options, as far as performance and thrill of driving go.

Skoda Octavia RS

Mini Countryman

Mini Cooper Convertible

BMW 3 Series

Mercedes-Benz GLA

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The FTA with the UK has certainly reduced import duties on cars like the Mini Cooper S, but the price reduction is not as straightforward as it might seem. The FTA only applies to cars that are manufactured in the UK and imported into India, and the duty reduction is being phased in over several years rather than coming into effect immediately. Mini India has also recently launched the new generation Cooper S, which is a significantly updated car with a new interior, more technology and a higher level of standard equipment. That has naturally pushed the price up, and the FTA savings have essentially been offset by the higher cost of the new model and the weakening rupee as a currency against the EuroIf you are keen on a Mini Cooper S, there is no strong reason to wait. The new generation car is already on sale, and the FTA duty reductions will continue to be phased in gradually over the next few years rather than resulting in a sudden price drop. If you are happy with the current price and specification, it makes sense to go ahead now rather than waiting indefinitely for a further reduction that may not be significant in the short term.

Mini 3-Door

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Of the four, the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line is the one to consider if space is a priority. It is the largest here and will suit frequent family travel best, particularly if you regularly carry rear-seat passengers and luggage. The petrol engine is smooth, though it needs to be worked hard for its best performance. Also, the R-Line’s larger wheels and lower-profile tyres can make the ride feel firm and occasionally crashy over broken roads.The BMW X1 LWB is a very capable city SUV. It has light controls, sharp handling for its size, generous rear-seat space and is superbly priced. However, its 1.5-litre petrol engine is not particularly strong once fully loaded. This BMW car is adequate for normal use, but does not offer the relaxed overtaking performance you may want on regular highway trips, and the interior doesn’t feel premium enough.The Mini Countryman is arguably the most distinctive choice. It feels well built, has a genuinely interesting interior and is enjoyable to drive, but it is not the most natural long-distance companion here. Rear-seat comfort and the overall ride quality are not quite as convincing as the Tayron or X1 for regular road trips.If you like driving and head out of town every few months, we suggest you wait for the new-generation Audi Q3. This Audi car comes with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, and the standard quattro all-wheel-drive system should give it the strongest combination of effortless performance, highway confidence and all-weather capability in this group. The new Q3 is due to launch in India on October 16 and is expected to bring a much more modern, technology-heavy cabin. It is also expected to be the most expensive of the lot, with pricing likely in the Rs 55 lakh to Rs 60 lakh range, ex-showroom. My pick would be the Q3 if you can stretch the budget and are willing to wait. Otherwise, choose the Tayron R-Line if rear-seat space and family-road-trip usability matter most, or the X1 if most of your driving is in the city

Volkswagen Tayron

BMW X1 LWB

Mini Countryman

Audi Q3 (2022-2026)