VS
At a Glance
Power
130 kW
233 kW
Torque
270 Nm
400 Nm
Fuel
7.3 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Towing
—
—
0-100 km/h
8.9 s
5.4 s
Engine
1332 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the MINI Countryman is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz GLA delivers 130 kW while the MINI Countryman produces 233 kW. On fuel, the GLA returns 7.3 l/100km while the Countryman uses 7.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R913 640 for the GLA 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
130 kW
233 kW
Torque
270 Nm
400 Nm
0-100 kph
8.9 s
5.4 s
Top Speed
210 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1332 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.3 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
43 l
54 l
CO2 Emissions
165 g/km
177 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4412 mm
4444 mm
Width
1834-2020 mm
1843-2069 mm
Height
1616 mm
1654 mm
Wheelbase
2729 mm
2692 mm
Ground Clearance
143 mm
188 mm
Kerb Weight
1491 Kg
1620 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
440/505-1530 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Load Capacity
525 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7 (opt 9)
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
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator max 20000
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz GLA
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Countryman
Fuel Economy
GLA
Value
GLA
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Better fuel economy (7.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R913 640)
Less power than rival (130 kW vs 233 kW)
MINI Countryman
More powerful engine (233 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLA or Countryman?
The GLA uses 7.3 l/100km and the Countryman uses 7.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLA 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 GLA or Countryman?
The GLA produces 130 kW and 270 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 GLA and Countryman?
The GLA starts from R913 640 and the Countryman from R988 768. The GLA is cheaper by R75 128 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLA or Countryman?
The GLA has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Countryman can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLA 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.