2014 Mini may be launched at the Auto Expo

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Mini unveiled the third generation hatchback in the UK last year. This 2014 version of the iconic small car has grown in size and makes us believe that it will change the perception of the masses that the carmaker produces only ‘small’ cars.

In comparison to the earlier vehicle, the car has larger dimensions, the length being longer by 98mm, while the width and height has increased by 44mm and 7mm respectively. The wheelbase has also been extended by 28mm. With the increase in these measures, the boot space has increased to 211 litres from 160 litres in the previous model.

Though, Mini has enlarged the proportions of the car, they have not fiddled with the visual aspects of the car. Overall, the design including the round headlights, a revised but similar hood and small overhangs are carried over from the previous models. The new headlamps get DRLs in the shape of a semicircle. Inside, the speedometer console has LEDs that change from  orange, red to blue in Mid, Sport or Green modes.New safety and driver systems have been included like thehead-up display, park assist system, collision and pedestrian warning etc.

The Mini Cooper is powered by the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine churning out 134bhpof power. The company claims that the car goes from 0 to 100kmph in 7.9 seconds. The Cooper S houses the 2.0-litre turbo engine that produces 189bhp of power. It does the 0-100kmph sprint in 6.8 seconds. The oil burner Cooper D will be equipped with a 1.5-litre three-pot motor delivering a power output of 114bhp. It takes 9.2 seconds to do the 0 to 100kmph run. All these engine variants maybe mated to a choice of three six-speed transmissions. It includes a manual, an auto and the sports auto gear box options. The 2014 variants boast of BMW’s new front-wheel-drive architecture which is expected to underpin10 Minis and other forthcoming Beemers.

Mini might exhibit the entire range of the new models at the upcoming Auto Expo and should announce plans of sale and prices thereafter. It comes to India via the CBU route and will be up against the Volkswagen Beetle and the Fiat 500 when launched here.