VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
160kW@6000
Torque
230 Nm
280Nm@1900
Fuel
6.5 l/100km
7.9L/100km
Towing
1700 Kg
1000kg
0-100 km/h
9.0 s
7s
Engine
1499 cc
1598cc
Choosing between the BMW X1 and the MINI Countryman is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW X1 delivers 115 kW while the MINI Countryman produces 160kW@6000. On fuel, the X1 returns 6.5 l/100km while the Countryman uses 7.9L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R813 899 for the X1 and R469 590 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.
Specification
BMW X1Sdrive18i X-LINE 2022 - From R813 899
MINI CountrymanCooper JCW Steptronic 2012 - From R469 590
Performance
Power Output
115 kW
160kW@6000
Torque
230 Nm
280Nm@1900
0-100 kph
9.0 s
7s
Top Speed
215 Km/h
223km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
1598cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 l/100km
7.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
10.7L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6.3L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
47L
CO2 Emissions
148 g/km
184g/km
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
4133mm
Width
1845-2104 mm
1789mm
Height
1642 mm
1561mm
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2595mm
Ground Clearance
205 mm
137mm
Kerb Weight
1500 DIN / 1575 EU Kg
1405kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
540-1600 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1700 Kg
1000kg
Load Capacity
575 lkg
1170kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
-
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Countryman
Fuel Economy
X1
Value
Countryman
Practicality
X1
Pros & Cons
BMW X1
Better fuel economy (6.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1700 Kg)
Higher starting price
MINI Countryman
Lower starting price (R469 590)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X1 or Countryman?
The X1 uses 6.5 l/100km and the Countryman uses 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle. The X1 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X1 or Countryman?
The X1 produces 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque while the Countryman delivers 160kW@6000 and 280Nm@1900 of torque. The Countryman is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X1 and Countryman?
The X1 starts from R813 899 and the Countryman from R469 590. The Countryman is cheaper by R344 309 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X1 or Countryman?
The X1 has a braked towing capacity of 1700 Kg and the Countryman can tow 1000kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X1 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.