VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
233 kW
Torque
450 Nm
400 Nm
Fuel
7.6 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
—
5.4 s
Engine
2999 cc
1998 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 233 kW. On fuel, the mu-X returns 7.6 l/100km while the Countryman uses 7.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R973 700 for the mu-X and R988 768 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
233 kW
Torque
450 Nm
400 Nm
0-100 kph
—
5.4 s
Top Speed
—
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
7
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.6 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
54 l
CO2 Emissions
200 g/km
177 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
4444 mm
Width
1870 mm
1843-2069 mm
Height
1820 mm
1654 mm
Wheelbase
2855 mm
2692 mm
Ground Clearance
235 mm
188 mm
Kerb Weight
2080 Kg
1620 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
440/505-1530 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 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
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
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
Isuzu mu-X
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Countryman
Fuel Economy
mu-X
Value
mu-X
Practicality
mu-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu mu-X
Better fuel economy (7.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R973 700)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 233 kW)
MINI Countryman
More powerful engine (233 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
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 7.7 l/100km 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 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The Countryman is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the mu-X and Countryman?
The mu-X starts from R973 700 and the Countryman from R988 768. The mu-X is cheaper by R15 068 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 0 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.