BMW to bring new MINI to India in 2014

BMW that unveiled the new MINI family at the company's UK production plant in Oxford, is now planning to bring the new models in the Indian car market. The German carmaker will assemble the premium small car at its Chennai plant. This step will help BMW to further enhance its sales in the growing and competitive market.

The new MINI now features all-new architecture, new design and a range of new fuel efficient engines. It is based on the BMW's new front and all-wheel drive UKL1 platform, which will underpin several new products in the coming years. The new vehicle is 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm taller than its predecessor. The wheelbase of the car has been increased by 28mm, while the track width has been enhanced at the front by 42mm and 34mm at the rear.

The new MINI offer the option of LED headlamps for both dipped and main beam. The boot capacity has been increased by 30% to 211 litres, and the rear bench seat can be split 60:40. The instrument cluster gets some enhanced features. It also comes equipped with a 4-line TFT display as standard or optional colour screen up to 8.8 inches, showing vehicle functions, infotainment, navigation and MINI Connected services.

The new Cooper hatch features a three-cylinder petrol engine producing 134bhp, while the Cooper S gets a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine that churns out 189bhp. The diesel MINI is powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine that develops 114bhp. Both petrol and diesel models are now fitted to a new manual and automatic transmissions, with start/stop functionality.