VS
At a Glance
Power
130kW@4000
160kW@6000
Torque
392Nm@1800
280Nm@1900
Fuel
7.5
7.4
Towing
1600
—
0-100 km/h
9.9
7
Engine
1995
1598
Choosing between the KIA SPORTAGE and the MINI COUNTRYMAN is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The KIA SPORTAGE delivers 130kW@4000 while the MINI COUNTRYMAN produces 160kW@6000. On fuel, the SPORTAGE returns 7.5 while the COUNTRYMAN uses 7.4 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R389 995 for the SPORTAGE and R452 772 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
130kW@4000
160kW@6000
Torque
392Nm@1800
280Nm@1900
0-100 kph
9.9
7
Top Speed
195
225
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995
1598
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5
7.4
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
9.4
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6.2
Fuel Tank Capacity
58
47
CO2 Emissions
198
172
Dimensions
Length
4445
4133
Width
1855
1789
Height
1635
1561
Wheelbase
2640
2595
Ground Clearance
172
137
Kerb Weight
1609
1405
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600
—
Load Capacity
1887
1170
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESC
✓ 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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
✗
Optional
Heated Seats
✗
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
24
Warranty Distance
100000
—
Service Plan
S
M
Service Intervals
15000
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA SPORTAGE
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
COUNTRYMAN
Value
SPORTAGE
Practicality
SPORTAGE
Pros & Cons
KIA SPORTAGE
Lower starting price (R389 995)
Higher towing capacity (1600)
Higher fuel consumption (7.5)
MINI COUNTRYMAN
Better fuel economy (7.4)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7s)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the SPORTAGE or COUNTRYMAN?
The SPORTAGE uses 7.5 and the COUNTRYMAN uses 7.4 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 SPORTAGE or COUNTRYMAN?
The SPORTAGE produces 130kW@4000 and 392Nm@1800 of torque while the COUNTRYMAN delivers 160kW@6000 and 280Nm@1900 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the SPORTAGE and COUNTRYMAN?
The SPORTAGE starts from R389 995 and the COUNTRYMAN from R452 772. The SPORTAGE is cheaper by R62 777 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the SPORTAGE or COUNTRYMAN?
The SPORTAGE has a braked towing capacity of 1600 and the COUNTRYMAN can tow 0. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the SPORTAGE 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.