Mini brand to enter India with 3 models next year

As we get closer and closer to the Auto Expo, the excitement has started to build around the launch of the Mini brand. In our conversation with Dr Andreas Schaff, he revealed that BMW India is going to focus majorly on the MINI brand in 2012. Now, TheBusinessLine is reporting that MINI will enter India with the help of 3 models – Cooper Hatch, the Cooper convertible and the Countryman SUV. Let's give you a glimpse of each of the product: The Cooper hatchback is internationally available in petrol and diesel engine. The most entry level hatchback – called The One is powered by a peppy 1.4-litre petrol engine that produces 95bhp. The Cooper D ( as you must have guessed is the diesel version) is powered by a 1.6-litre 110hp turbodiesel powerplant. For people who enjoy drop-top motoring, MINI will bring the convertible version of the Cooper. It has a fabric roof that automatically folds within 15 seconds when the elements become unbearable even at a speed of 20 mph. This way you don't have to come to a dead halt to put the roof up. The convertible version is powered by 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 118 hp. The Countryman is not really a MINI hatchback. It is actually a crossover that is marketed as a SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle). It features five doors; a longer wheelbase, more interior room, higher ground clearance and optional all-wheel-drive powertrain. The Countryman is powered by a 1.6-liter inline 4 cylinder that produces 121 hp. It is still unclear whether the 'S' models (performance models) or the John Cooper Works models of the above 3 cars will be hitting the Indian shores.  However, the company plans to showcase all models of the MINI brand at the Autoexpo. The company will bring these 3 models in form of a CBU which means an entry price of 25 lakhs. Do you think the MINI brand will succeed in India with this entry price? Source: TheBusinessLine

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