VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
160kW@6000
Torque
450 Nm
280Nm@1900
Fuel
7.6 l/100km
7.9
Towing
3500 Kg
1000
0-100 km/h
—
7
Engine
2999 cc
1598
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 160kW@6000. On fuel, the mu-X returns 7.6 l/100km while the COUNTRYMAN uses 7.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R939 500 for the mu-X and R469 590 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
160kW@6000
Torque
450 Nm
280Nm@1900
0-100 kph
—
7
Top Speed
—
223
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
1598
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
all
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
✓ Standard
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.6 l/100km
7.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
10.7
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6.3
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
47
CO2 Emissions
200 g/km
184
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
4133
Width
1870 mm
1789
Height
1820 mm
1561
Wheelbase
2855 mm
2595
Ground Clearance
235 mm
137
Kerb Weight
2080 Kg
1405
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
1000
Load Capacity
659 l
1170
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ 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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
—
Optional
Heated Seats
—
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
24
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
—
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Isuzu mu-X
3 / 4 categories
Performance
mu-X
Fuel Economy
mu-X
Value
COUNTRYMAN
Practicality
mu-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu mu-X
Better fuel economy (7.6 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
MINI COUNTRYMAN
Lower starting price (R469 590)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9)
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 7.9 on the combined cycle. The mu-X 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 160kW@6000 and 280Nm@1900 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the mu-X and COUNTRYMAN?
The mu-X starts from R939 500 and the COUNTRYMAN from R469 590. The COUNTRYMAN is cheaper by R469 910 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 1000. 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.