Saar: Unlike its predecessor, it will be built at BMW’s Chennai facility.

British carmaker Mini has launched its second-generation Countryman at Rs 34.9 lakh. That price is for the Cooper S variant. The Mini Countryman is also available in two other variants – Cooper SD and the Cooper S JCW Inspired. While the former wears a price tag of Rs 37.4 lakh, the latter will cost you Rs 41.4 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom India).

So, how do these variants differ from each other? Let’s look at them one by one.

Cooper S

It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that puts out 192Ps of power and 280Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to an 8-speed automatic Steptronic transmission and the duo helps the car complete the 0-100kmph sprint in 7.5 seconds. Mini claims that the Countryman Cooper S can return a mileage of 14.41kmpl.

As far as features are concerned, the Countryman Cooper S comes with LED headlamps and fog lamps, auto dipping interior and exterior mirrors, powered tailgate, rain sensing wipers and park distance control. Other creature comforts include a dual-zone climate control, sports seats for driver and front passenger, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual airbags and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Cooper SD

The ‘D’ in its name gives away what this iteration of the Mini Countryman gets under the bonnet. Yes, it is a diesel. In fact, it is the same 2.0-litre diesel engine that also does duty in several BMW models, including the X3 and the 3 Series. Power figures are rated at 190PS/400Nm, while mileage is claimed to be 19.19kmpl. Transmission duties are handled by the same 8-speed auto box that does duty in the Cooper S variant. 0-100kmph time is clocked at 7.7 seconds.

The feature list of the Cooper SD is nearly identical to that of the Cooper S. The diesel Countryman gets a couple of more features as part of the standard kit – panorama glass roof and electric seat adjustment with memory function.

Cooper S JCW Inspired

In the engine and mileage departments, it is identical to the Cooper S. Same power figures backed by same performance figures. The only difference in the mechanicals is in the gearbox. The JCW Inspired gets an 8-speed Sport automatic Steptronic transmission to match its racy outlook.

Since it is the range-topping variant, it comes with a lot more kit as standard. Mentioned below are some of the main features that the JCW Inspired variant gets over the other two:

• Option for British racing paint job – white roof, mirror caps and bonnet stripes
• JCW aerodynamic kit
• Rear spoiler
• Rear view camera
• JCW Sport steering wheel
• Head-up display
• Harman Kardon sound system
• 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment with built-in navigation
• Telephony with wireless charging
• 18-inch alloy wheels

So, there you have it. Another small premium SUV has reached the shores of our country. For the record, the new Mini Countryman is 200mm longer and 30mm wider than its predecessor. That means more space inside the cabin for the living and the non-living things. In case you are wondering, the Mini Countryman goes up against the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA and its step-cousin, the BMW X1. Soon, the Volvo XC40 will join this list too.