VS
At a Glance
Power
233 kW
315 kW
Torque
400 Nm
543 Nm
Fuel
7.7 l/100km
18.0 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
—
1600 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.4 s
3.6 s
Engine
1998 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the MINI Countryman and the Volvo EX30 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The MINI Countryman delivers 233 kW while the Volvo EX30 produces 315 kW. On fuel, the Countryman returns 7.7 l/100km while the EX30 uses 18.0 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R988 768 for the Countryman and R1 114 000 for the EX30. 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
315 kW
Torque
400 Nm
543 Nm
0-100 kph
5.4 s
3.6 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
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
18.0 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
69 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4444 mm
4233 mm
Width
1843-2069 mm
1837-2032 mm
Height
1654 mm
1555 mm
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2650 mm
Ground Clearance
188 mm
177 mm
Kerb Weight
1620 Kg
1960 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
440/505-1530 l
318-622-904 rear + 7 front l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1600 Kg
Load Capacity
—
375 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
EX30
Fuel Economy
Countryman
Value
Countryman
Practicality
EX30
Pros & Cons
MINI Countryman
Better fuel economy (7.7 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R988 768)
Less power than rival (233 kW vs 315 kW)
Volvo EX30
More powerful engine (315 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.6 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (18.0 kWh/100km l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Countryman or EX30?
The Countryman uses 7.7 l/100km and the EX30 uses 18.0 kWh/100km 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 EX30?
The Countryman produces 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the EX30 delivers 315 kW and 543 Nm of torque. The EX30 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Countryman and EX30?
The Countryman starts from R988 768 and the EX30 from R1 114 000. The Countryman is cheaper by R125 232 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Countryman or EX30?
The Countryman has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the EX30 can tow 1600 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Countryman or the EX30?
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.