All New MINI Countryman Unveiled At Auto Expo 2018; To Be Pitted Against Volvo V40 Cross Country
BMW owned British automobile brand MINI has unveiled its all-new MINI Countryman in India on February 7 at ongoing Auto Expo 2018.
Deliveries will begin from June 2018 onwards and ex-showroom prices will be announced accordingly.
MINI Countryman will be pitted against Volvo Cars India’s estate hatchback Volvo V40 Cross Country that was first launched in the country in December 2016.
The MINI Countryman is most likely will be priced between Rs 35 lakh - Rs 45 lakh, while the Volvo V40 Cross Country is available for Rs 27.2 lakh - Rs 29.4 lakh.
Locally-produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai, the all-new MINI Countryman will be available in three variants: two petrol variants - MINI Countryman Cooper S and MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired as well as one diesel variant - MINI Countryman Cooper SD.
Safety features in all the three variants of MINI Countryman will be the same - Emergency Spare Wheel, Front and Passenger Airbag, Brake Assist, Crash Sensor, Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Stability Control, 3-point Seat Belts on all seats, Cornering Brake Control, and Warning Triangle with First-aid Kit.
The all-new MINI Countryman will be available in five colours: Island Blue, Light White, Chilli Red, Melting Silver and Thunder Grey as well as British Racing Green offered exclusively for the MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired.
The all-new MINI Countryman will be available with Leatherette Carbon Black as standard upholstery and Leather Cross Punch Carbon Black for the all-new MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired.
Exterior features of the all-new MINI Countryman like contrasting roof, upright rear lights, hexagonal radiator grille and large headlamps have undergone development.
The all-new MINI Countryman is extending 20 centimetres longer and 3 centimetres wider than its predecessor. This increased space allows five adults to sit comfortably with ample luggage space, claims the automaker.
Using the cargo function, boot capacity can be increased from 450 litres to 1,309 litres by folding down the rear backrest with its 40:20:40 split. It has a Picnic Bench that folds out of the luggage compartment to provide seating space for two. Automatic Tailgate combined with Comfort Access System allows the boot to be opened and closed just by waving your foot under the rear fender.
Regarding MINI Driving Modes, in addition to the standard ‘MID’ mode there is a choice of ‘Sport’ and ‘Green’ mode. Driver Assistance Systems include Cruise Control, Park Assist, Rear View Camera and Head-Up Display.
The standard MINIMALISM technology includes auto start/stop function, brake energy recuperation, active cooling air flaps and electromechanical power steering.
MINI Countryman Cooper S
It is powered by an all-new range of petrol engine developed from the latest MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. The 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine mobilises a peak output of 141kW and a maximum torque of 280Nm. It sprints to 100 km/hr in 7.5 seconds and the top speed is 225 km/hr.
It is mated to an 8-speed automatic steptronic transmission.
It offers Automatic Tailgate, Cruise Control, LED Headlight, Fog Light, Multifunction steering wheel, Centre armrest in front and rear and the Radio MINI Boost 6.5” as standard.
MINI Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired
It carries the same engine as the MINI Countryman Cooper S except that it is mated to an 8-speed sports automatic steptronic transmission with shift paddles.
It is equipped with John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit, rear roof spoiler and 18-inch JCW thrill spoke alloy wheels. John Cooper Works continues in the illuminated cockpit with the JCW sports leather steering wheel.
The car is equipped with features such as the ‘Leather Cross Punch’ Sport Seats, Harmon Kardon Hi-Fi Speaker System, MINI Find Mate and the MINI Wired Package. The MINI Wired Package includes Navigation System Professional and MINI Connected XL 8.8” screen with Touch Controller and Bluetooth mobile connectivity.
MINI Countryman Cooper SD
It features 4-cylinder diesel engine that generates a peak output of 140 kW and a maximum torque of 400Nm. It sprints to 100 km/hr in 7.7 seconds and the top speed is 220 km/hr.
It is mated to an 8-speed automatic steptronic transmission. The Panorama Glass Roof and Electric Seat Adjustment with memory further adds convenience.
Volvo V40 Cross Country
The V40 Cross Country comes with sub 2L diesel engine with 6-Speed automatic FWD.
It features T-shaped LED lights, updated grille, three wheel designs, sensus navigation, and adaptive cruise control with Queue Assist.
The interiors come with 5 different leather trims including dual-tone.
The V40 Cross Country has safety features like World-First Pedestrian Airbag, Safety Cage, 2-stage front airbags with drivers knee bag, Pretensioners for front seats, Dynamic Stability & Traction Control, Emergency Brake Assist with ABS, Side Impact Protection, Whiplash Protection.
