VS
At a Glance
Power
160kW@6000
136 kW
Torque
280Nm@1900
247 Nm
Fuel
7.4
7.9 l/100km
Towing
—
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
7
—
Engine
1598
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 160kW@6000 while the Subaru Forester produces 136 kW. On fuel, the COUNTRYMAN returns 7.4 while the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R452 772 for the COUNTRYMAN and R740 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
160kW@6000
136 kW
Torque
280Nm@1900
247 Nm
0-100 kph
7
—
Top Speed
225
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1598
2498 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
FRONT
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.4
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
9.4
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
6.2
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
47
63 l
CO2 Emissions
172
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4133
4655 mm
Width
1789
1830 mm
Height
1561
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2595
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
137
220 mm
Kerb Weight
1405
1609 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
1170
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ 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
✓ Standard
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
Optional
—
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
5
Warranty Distance
—
150000 Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
25000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Forester
Fuel Economy
COUNTRYMAN
Value
COUNTRYMAN
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
MINI COUNTRYMAN
Better fuel economy (7.4)
Lower starting price (R452 772)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Forester
Higher towing capacity (1500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the COUNTRYMAN or Forester?
The COUNTRYMAN uses 7.4 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 160kW@6000 and 280Nm@1900 of torque while the Forester delivers 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the COUNTRYMAN and Forester?
The COUNTRYMAN starts from R452 772 and the Forester from R740 000. The COUNTRYMAN is cheaper by R287 228 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 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.