Get ready for the biggest MINI ever: The 2018 Countryman

First revealed at the Auto Expo 2018, MINI launched its all-new Countryman in New Delhi today.

The second-generation car is priced at Rs 34.90 lakh (ex-showroom) and will be taking on its Bavarian cousin, the BMW X1, along with other bestsellers in the segment including the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Audi Q3.

The Countryman is available in three variants — the Cooper S (Rs 34.90 lakh), Cooper SD (Rs 37.40 lakh) and the sporty Cooper S JCW Inspired (Rs 41.40 lakh).  The S and S JCW are four-cylinder petrol powerhouses producing 192 hp and 280 Nm of peak torque. The Cooper SD is a diesel machine, churning 190 hp and 400 Nm of peak torque. All three engines come with automatic Steptronic Transmission and the John Cooper Works-inspired model gets a sports set-up.

The all-new design of the 2018 Countryman makes it a larger car, more worthy of being called a compact SUV.

The front of the Countryman has a wider, squarish design. An all-new grille complements the squared-off headlights and pronounced wheel arches, giving it that all-important crossover look.

The changes in the rear are subtle. The Mini logo on the boot and the signature tail lamps have been carried over from its predecessor, but they get have a lighting pattern makeover.

Now, the reason we call the Countryman the biggest MINI ever is the space that it offers. With an increase in length and width of 200 mm and 30 mm respectively, it offers more legroom, more headroom and more shoulder room, thus allowing five people to sit comfortably. The boot space has also increased by 30 per cent.

It incorporates an 6.5-8.1 inch round touchscreen infotainment system, MINI driving modes, a heads-up display, cruise control and park assist. The automatic tailgate allows a driver to wave their foot under the boot to open it.

The car comes packed with safety features, including anti-lock breaking system (ABS), driver and passenger airbags, cornering brake control and run flat tyres.