MINI Only By Name

MINI by its name but gigantic in performance. Hot on wheels but suave by looks. This is the brand that defines cult in the automobile sector, the Mini Cooper by the BMW group. After its launch in India at the auto expo this year, Mumbai saw the first dealership open only two months back. But recently, Mini Cooper drove into Delhi and halted in style at the exclusive Mini showroom.

MINI dealerships across India will display the MINI Cooper, the MINI Cooper S, the MINI Cooper Convertible and the MINI Cooper Countryman and the S Countryman which are available in six-speed automatic transmission with powerful and efficient petrol variants.

MINI is a global success and was declared the ‘Car of the Decade’ by the German automotive magazine, Automobilwoch, at the Star Auto Ceremony. Around the world it is a symbol of urban driving that is fun, chic and powerful. This hatchback is high on agility and also on safety. You can drive out The MINI Cooper if you have at-least Rs 25, 50,000 to spare. And if you can go a notch higher to buy the MINI Cooper S, then you will have to pay Rs. 28, 60,000

The MINI Convertible is also inspiringly agile and of course, refreshingly open. The brand’s soft-top representative is unmistakably a jaw dropper. Its proportions, short front and rear overhangs, large wheel cut-outs, the height of the waistline and numerous design features typical of the brand clearly show that this is a full-fledged member of the MINI family. This car that we drooled over when we saw in Hollywood movies can be yours in Rs 30,70,000

Next is the car for the adventurer. The MINI Countryman is all about taking fun driving into new territories with four doors, a large tailgate and an interior capable of accommodating up to five people. The MINI Countryman is also the brand’s first model with a body of over four meters in length. The long and short of it is that you can have the countryman drive around the country if you pay RS 32,80,000 for the Countryman and 35,90,000 for the Countryman High.

A mini cooper is a mini cooper and there is not another car brand that is as happy as this. But beyond its cult status is it worth the buy? To begin with it is way too expensive for a hatchback and with soaring petrol prices, a mileage of just over 7 km/ hr the MINI is a huge dent in your pocket. Plus, like with all luxury cars, the spare parts too are overtly expensive. So it is definitely you, who will have to mind the Indian roads and the rash drivers on it.

Despite all the odds, the cult and the fan base are so strong even in India that the Mini has reached our roads. In Mumbai, in the first two months only, it has sold 50 units. So what makes the Mini Cooper so cool? Well, ask any owner and they may not have a clear answer to it. Considering the Mini culture is as old as the pop culture seen across many videos and movies, this ambiguity may seem odd. That is because the MINI may not be the most drop dead gorgeous car in the world, nor the fastest or even the cheapest. On the contrary, ever since BMW took over from its original manufacturers, the MINI, it has strategically been placed as a luxury car designed especially for the style conscious urban driver. So then, I ask again, what is it about the Cooper?

It is perhaps nostalgia, reminding the adults of their younger days. It reminds us of yesterday that is so unlike today. It may be old but it’s refreshing to see the curvaceous MINI design in the jamboree of contemporary – sleek looking cars. But what takes the MINI to a whole new level is the fact that it’s new machinery in an old package. The performance of the car is as great as some of the best in the industry that is why it makes for such a cult.

The best thing about the MINI is that you can “You-i-fy” it. This means you customize it the way you want to. Bring on a body that defines you that celebrates your freedom of choice and what you as an individual stand for. You can change from the exteriors body colour to the the wheels to the headlamps. Pick your engine power, suspension, or even your entertainment system. They say, no two Minis are the same. Now you know why!

BMW is taking the MINI’s cult following to a whole new bonding exercise for its owners across the world. The MINI Take the State Tour exclusively for its owners also draws a lot of car lovers together as they travel across their country, state - to - state exploring, bonding and simply having fun. Many happy moments, which the company provides to its owners, makes them come together and cherish their car even more. Together, these experiences make the MINI a MINI.

In India, till now, the MINI was a dream, a desire. Today, it’s a reality and even though we may not be at a stage, where we engrave the MINI tattoo on our skin, we are hoping to be there and be a part of this bandwagon. For us, there are miles to go before we sleep and miles to go before we sleep as India, just got MINI.

Picture Courtesy: BMW Group
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