It seems Mini has started 2021 to continue the legacy of 2020. Last year it introduced four models in India, and all were special/limited editions. What we’ve got today is called the Mini Paddy Hopkirk Edition. Only 15 units are up for grabs, and each one costs Rs 41.7 lakh. There are two reasons for that price tag. One – the car is a special edition. Two – it arrives in India as a CBU (Completely Built Unit). Also, Mini’s accepting bookings online via the online portal.

The limited-edition model is a tribute to a Northern Irish rally driver Patrick “Paddy” Hopkirk. In 1964, he drove a classic Mini Cooper S and bagged the first of three victories at the Monte Carlo Rally. The car he used was Red with No. 37 badging. That’s why the 3-Door Paddy Hopkirk Edition has those design traits. Also, the No. 37 badging is on the side scuttles as well as on the Keycap. Other bespoke touches include the Paddy Hopkirk signature on the backlit door sills, C-pillars, cockpit fascia, and boot lid. The bonnet has a single white stripe with the rally driver’s signature and 33EJB lettering of the number plate.

The Mini Paddy Hopkirk Edition features a Chilli Red exterior colour with Aspen White roof, black ORVM caps and 16-inch Light Alloy wheels in black. The bonnet scoop, door handles, fuel filler cap, waistline finisher, Mini emblems at the front and rear, and the kidney grille strut are finished in Piano Black.

Powering the special Mini is the 2.0-litre, turbocharged petrol engine which pumps out 189bhp/280Nm and comes mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The setup is enough for a 0-100kmph sprint time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 235kmph (electronically-limited). Features on the car include multiple driving modes, a rear-view camera, John Cooper Works Sport leather steering wheel, panorama glass roof and the Comfort Access System. Even if you’re a Mini fan, would you spend the extra to get this limited-edition creation?