VS
At a Glance
Power
233 kW
136 kW
Torque
400 Nm
247 Nm
Fuel
7.7 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
—
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.4 s
—
Engine
1998 cc
2498 cc
Choosing between the MINI Countryman and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The MINI Countryman delivers 233 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 136 kW. On fuel, the Countryman returns 7.7 l/100km while the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R988 768 for the Countryman and R830 000 for the Forester. 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
233 kW
136 kW
Torque
400 Nm
247 Nm
0-100 kph
5.4 s
—
Top Speed
250 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
2498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.7 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4444 mm
4655 mm
Width
1843-2069 mm
1830 mm
Height
1654 mm
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
188 mm
220 mm
Kerb Weight
1620 Kg
1645 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
440/505-1530 l
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
9
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
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
150000 Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Countryman
Fuel Economy
Countryman
Value
Forester
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
MINI Countryman
More powerful engine (233 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price (R830 000)
Higher towing capacity (1500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (136 kW vs 233 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Countryman or Forester?
The Countryman uses 7.7 l/100km and the Forester uses 7.9 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 Countryman or Forester?
The Countryman produces 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque. The Countryman is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Countryman and Forester?
The Countryman starts from R988 768 and the Forester from R830 000. The Forester is cheaper by R158 768 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Countryman or Forester?
The Countryman has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the Forester can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Countryman or the Forester?
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.