VS
At a Glance
Power
130kW@4000
160kW@6000
Torque
392Nm@1800
280Nm@1900
Fuel
6.5L/100km
7.9L/100km
Towing
1600kg
1000kg
0-100 km/h
9.8s
7s
Engine
1995cc
1598cc
Choosing between the KIA Sportage and the MINI Countryman is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Sportage delivers 130kW@4000 while the MINI Countryman produces 160kW@6000. On fuel, the Sportage returns 6.5L/100km while the Countryman uses 7.9L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R379 995 for the Sportage 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
KIA Sportage2.0 CRDI 4x4 2010 - From R379 995
MINI CountrymanCooper JCW Steptronic 2012 - From R469 590
Performance
Power Output
130kW@4000
160kW@6000
Torque
392Nm@1800
280Nm@1900
0-100 kph
9.8s
7s
Top Speed
194km/h
223km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995cc
1598cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
UNLEADED
Transmission
MANUAL
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
5
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5L/100km
7.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
10.7L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
6.3L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
58L
47L
CO2 Emissions
174g/km
184g/km
Dimensions
Length
4445mm
4133mm
Width
1855mm
1789mm
Height
1635mm
1561mm
Wheelbase
2640mm
2595mm
Ground Clearance
172mm
137mm
Kerb Weight
1574kg
1405kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600kg
1000kg
Load Capacity
1887kg
1170kg
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
100000km
-
Service Plan
S
M
Service Intervals
15000
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Sportage
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Countryman
Fuel Economy
Sportage
Value
Sportage
Practicality
Sportage
Pros & Cons
KIA Sportage
Better fuel economy (6.5L/100km)
Lower starting price (R379 995)
Higher towing capacity (1600kg)
Few notable weaknesses
MINI Countryman
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9L/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sportage or Countryman?
The Sportage uses 6.5L/100km and the Countryman uses 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle. The Sportage 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 Sportage or Countryman?
The Sportage produces 130kW@4000 and 392Nm@1800 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 Sportage and Countryman?
The Sportage starts from R379 995 and the Countryman from R469 590. The Sportage is cheaper by R89 595 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 1600kg and the Countryman can tow 1000kg. 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.