VS
At a Glance
Power
130 kW
160kW@6000
Torque
270 Nm
280Nm@1900
Fuel
7.3 l/100km
7.4L/100km
Towing
—
-
0-100 km/h
8.9 s
7s
Engine
1332 cc
1598cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the MINI Countryman is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Mercedes-Benz GLA delivers 130 kW while the MINI Countryman produces 160kW@6000. On fuel, the GLA returns 7.3 l/100km while the Countryman uses 7.4L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R913 640 for the GLA 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.
Specification
Mercedes-Benz GLA200 A/T 2023 - From R913 640
MINI CountrymanCooper JCW 2012 - From R452 772
Performance
Power Output
130 kW
160kW@6000
Torque
270 Nm
280Nm@1900
0-100 kph
8.9 s
7s
Top Speed
210 Km/h
225km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1332 cc
1598cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.3 l/100km
7.4L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
9.4L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6.2L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
43 l
47L
CO2 Emissions
165 g/km
172g/km
Dimensions
Length
4412 mm
4133mm
Width
1834-2020 mm
1789mm
Height
1616 mm
1561mm
Wheelbase
2729 mm
2595mm
Ground Clearance
143 mm
137mm
Kerb Weight
1491 Kg
1405kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
-
Load Capacity
525 lkg
1170kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7 (opt 9)
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
Optional
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 max 20000
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
MINI Countryman
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Countryman
Fuel Economy
GLA
Value
Countryman
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Better fuel economy (7.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
MINI Countryman
Lower starting price (R452 772)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.4L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLA or Countryman?
The GLA uses 7.3 l/100km and the Countryman uses 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle. The GLA 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 GLA or Countryman?
The GLA produces 130 kW and 270 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 GLA and Countryman?
The GLA starts from R913 640 and the Countryman from R452 772. The Countryman is cheaper by R460 868 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLA or Countryman?
The GLA has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Countryman can tow 0kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLA 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.