VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
115 kW
Torque
450 Nm
240 Nm
Fuel
7.6 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
1510 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
9.0 s
Engine
2999 cc
1499 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu mu-X and the MINI Countryman is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu mu-X delivers 140 kW while the MINI Countryman produces 115 kW. On fuel, the mu-X returns 7.6 l/100km while the Countryman uses 6.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R886 700 for the mu-X and R744 906 for the Countryman. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
140 kW
115 kW
Torque
450 Nm
240 Nm
0-100 kph
—
9.0 s
Top Speed
—
212 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
1499 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
7
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.6 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
54 l
CO2 Emissions
199 g/km
154 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
4444 mm
Width
1870 mm
1843-2069 mm
Height
1820 mm
1661 mm
Wheelbase
2855 mm
2692 mm
Ground Clearance
235 mm
202 mm
Kerb Weight
1980 Kg
1545 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
440/505-1530 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
1510 Kg
Load Capacity
659 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
Optional
Heated Seats
—
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
2
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
mu-X
Fuel Economy
Countryman
Value
Countryman
Practicality
mu-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu mu-X
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (7.6 l/100km)
Higher starting price
MINI Countryman
Better fuel economy (6.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R744 906)
Less power than rival (115 kW vs 140 kW)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the mu-X or Countryman?
The mu-X uses 7.6 l/100km and the Countryman uses 6.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Countryman is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the mu-X or Countryman?
The mu-X produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the Countryman delivers 115 kW and 240 Nm of torque. The mu-X is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the mu-X and Countryman?
The mu-X starts from R886 700 and the Countryman from R744 906. The Countryman is cheaper by R141 794 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the mu-X or Countryman?
The mu-X has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Countryman can tow 1510 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the mu-X or the Countryman?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.