Tata's New Luxury Sedan: The Tata Prima
Tata's New Luxury Sedan: The Tata Prima

? ? At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show India?s very own Tata Motors unveiled its new con...

Upcoming Bikes in India in 2009
Upcoming Bikes in India in 2009

The two-wheeler industry is booming in India. Last year we have seen major two wheeler giants ent...

BMW Set to Launch the MINI in India by 2009

by: Hip'n'Happening | last updated: February 23, 2009
Category: Cars & Bikes | Tags: BMW, latest Car launches in india, BMW mini, mini cooper, BMW launches Mini in India, Car launch
  • Guide Rating:
BMW Set to Launch the MINI in India by 2009

LEADING LUXURY car makers, BMW, plans to roll out their premium classic small car Mini Cooper in India. The much-awaited BMW MINI will hit the Indian roads in 2009, the Senior Vice- President (Importer Market) of BMW Group, Dr Kay Segler, has said. Talking about the MINI, the company says that it is not just a car, but also a brand altogether, and therefore a feasibility study is a must.

The car will not be assembled locally, but will be imported completely and will carry the price tag between Rs 20-25 lakhs.

BMW's MINI in India

BMW's MINI in India German luxury car maker BMW AG said it is likely to introduce its Mini, the iconic premium small car, only in two cities if it brings the brand to India.
“If we would launch the Mini in India, (it) would be only in two markets—specifically Delhi and Mumbai,” said Peter Kronschnabl, president of BMW’s local unit. “These are, by potential, the biggest markets for this brand,” which is “a small car in terms of size but a luxury car in terms of price.”

The company has completed a feasibility study on the potential of the premium car in the Indian market, in which small cars have been synonymous with inexpensive cars. BMW, however, hopes the car could be a third car for high net worth Indians with a love of the high life.

So if you would like to own one of these prestigious cars be prepared to shell out anywhere between Rs.20-25 lakhs.

A Complete Review on BMW's MINI

A Complete Review on BMW's MINI The Mini comes in three models—the standard Mini One with a 1.6-litre and 90 bhp engine, the Cooper powered by a 115-bhp version of the same engine and the Cooper S with a supercharger.

Here's a Complete Review of the Mini One according to BBC's Top Gear. Which Models/ Versions will be released in India is yet to be decided by the company.

Performance

Performance Four engines here for the Mini - a 1.4-litre petrol with 95bhp, a 110bhp 1.6-litre diesel, a 120bhp 1.6 and the 175bhp turbocharged 1.6 for the Cooper S. The 1.4 petrol is achingly slow. Press the throttle pedal and there's none of that whoosh of acceleration the old 1.6 One used to give. Plus there's little torque so you're forced to hunt around the six-speed 'box looking for some power. The 1.6 is much, much better. There's an urgency to its responses and an eagerness to rev while a tall sixth gear brings calmer motorway cruising. The diesel is punchy, efficient, light and clean but for a flat-out thrash on a twisty road, the two petrol Coopers are king. However the diesel bestows its torque very generously, making it handy for frugal overtaking.

Driving

Driving The new Mini rides and handles superbly, soaking up small and long amplitude bumps and lumps like a car with twice the wheelbase. Mid-corner bumps don't faze it, and you can squeal around a hairpin with the same confidence as a long 80mph sweeper. The old generation's handling balance was maybe a little cheekier, but there's no doubt that this new version is the more accomplished performer.

Space

Space The new car is only 60mm longer than the old one and barely any wider so space is still tight. Those sitting in the back need to be small because legroom is limited and access can be awkward. The boot is a little bigger than that of the car it replaces, but at 160 litres it's still small, just enough for just a pair of squishy bags.

Build quality

Build quality The new Mini has an interior that clunks and thunks more convincingly than before. Where the old Mini's silver-finished plastic stalks felt brittle, the new car's ones are soft-touch with a BMW's damped tactility. The dinner-plate centre speedo and heater controls in the shape of the Mini emblem are a bit Liberace, but the car now feels better assembled.

Cooper S

Cooper S It may not look it, but the new Cooper S has grown up. It rides, turns in and holds a line better than the old car and mid-corner bumps don't faze it. You can squeal around a hairpin with the same confidence as a long 80mph sweeper. The new 1.6 turbo is also sweeter to rev.

BMW MINI Cooper


MINI One Dashboard



MINI Cooper S

Related Guides

Imported Sports Bikes in India
Imported Sports Bikes in India

Imported bikes enjoy a cult status among Indian bike aficionados. Notwithstanding their exorbitant pricing, high-performance superbikes like Suzuki Hayabusa ...

The Legendary Sports Car : Mercedes Benz SL-500
The Legendary Sports Car : Mercedes Benz SL-500

Mercedes-Benz SL-500 offers an irresistible sporting experience. The New SL-Class Roadster is the first Mercedes to be equipped with SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTRO...

Tata Nano: The People's Car Hit's Indian Roads!
Tata Nano: The People's Car Hit's Indian Roads!

Tata unveiled what will be the cheapest car to hit the road anywhere in the world: Tata Nano at the Auto Expo 2008. The small car, which is priced at Rs100, ...

Upcoming Cars in India in July 2009
Upcoming Cars in India in July 2009

Indian car industry is one of the most rapidly growing car industries in the world. Propelled by booming economic growth and rising demand, Indian car indust...

Mercedes Benz Dealers in India
Mercedes Benz Dealers in India

DaimlerChrysler entered the Indian market and set up Mercedes-Benz India Ltd. in 1994. Mercedes-Benz India Limited was later rechristened DaimlerChrysler Ind...

More Categories

Religion & Festivals
Events
Videos
Technology
Fashion & Trends

More »

Guide Comments

You Might Be Kidding Me said about 1 year ago:

20-25 Lakhs for a HatchBack ..... Sad

VIJAYARAGHAVAN said about 1 year ago:

I am interested in this model, if it comes to Chennai, india

Nawal k said about 1 year ago:

20 -25 lacs.... man thats twice of what i had expected. though it is too high a price tag, i am so much in love this car, a might just give it another couple of years before buying it.

Prakash Karia said 11 months ago:

I have been eagerly waiting for the mini cooper to come to hit India... Keep me updated on specific dates pls as I want to be the first customer..

sumit said 11 months ago:

but when in 2009 is minin launching & is anyone so sure about the price tag mini one for 11 lacks & cooper for 17.1 i ve herd. can someone tell when is the launch ?

K Mohan said 9 months ago:

I am interested to see this car in southindia.

Mohit Arora said 9 months ago:

definitely gonna buy it!!.. BMW, please launch this soon.!!

Khalid Rehman Gazi said 9 months ago:

I love BMW cars.I am wating for launch.

ZAK said 9 months ago:

I have this car in UAE, really amazing one. will gift this to my brother in india.

SOUMITRA PAUL said 9 months ago:

Extra Ordinary

Dolley said 8 months ago:

am just crazszy about this car, Please launch it soon!!!!!!!!!!

velocity said 8 months ago:

this car should be in the range of tata nano. as its smaller than nano itself

sam said 6 months ago:

yippie.... i love this damn car.... will it be launched in 2009? i dont expect... but i l0ve it.... the price, i hate it...

rajarshi said 6 months ago:

my dream car,loved it too much in '' the italian job''.but the price is too high.

Dilip said 5 months ago:

Since they are planning to import it completely .. it costs much ... I dream if its there in market for 6-7 lakhs .. I believe its worth it ..

Atul said 5 months ago:

I am in London and I plan to buy the Mini Cooper D [turobocharged !!] - not sure if this variant will be available in India... I would definately recommend buying any MINI, this car has great resale value looks sporty and cute at the same time and if you can shell out the eye watering monies - just go for it :D Atul SHETTY.

Guide Discussion & Comments

blog comments powered by Disqus
WeightWatchers(R)
Small_image72 Hi there,
I am Hip'n'Happening
I hope you like this guide and benefit from it. Add me as a friend to track changes to this guide as well as my new guides.

Like this guide?

Bookmark on delicious
Email to a friend
Subscribe to feed
Add as a favorite Add as a favorite
Digg this guide
Share Adsense Revenue

Stats

41218 views 41218 views
star rating 5.0 star rating
3 3

Other guides by Hip'n'Happening


Other guides you may like