VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
240 Nm
320Nm@2800
Fuel
6.8 l/100km
10.5L/100km
Towing
1510 Kg
2000kg
0-100 km/h
9.0 s
7.1s
Engine
1499 cc
2457cc
Choosing between the MINI Countryman and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The MINI Countryman delivers 115 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 169kW@5200. On fuel, the Countryman returns 6.8 l/100km while the Forester uses 10.5L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R746 906 for the Countryman and R407 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.
Specification
MINI CountrymanCooper Countryman C (u25) 2024 - From R746 906
Subaru Forester2.5 XT 2008 - From R407 000
Performance
Power Output
115 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
240 Nm
320Nm@2800
0-100 kph
9.0 s
7.1s
Top Speed
212 Km/h
210km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
2457cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
7
5
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.8 l/100km
10.5L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
14.4L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.2L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
60L
CO2 Emissions
154 g/km
248g/km
Dimensions
Length
4444 mm
4560mm
Width
1843-2069 mm
1780mm
Height
1661 mm
1700mm
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2615mm
Ground Clearance
202 mm
215mm
Kerb Weight
1545 Kg
1510kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
440/505-1530 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1510 Kg
2000kg
Load Capacity
—
1660kg
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
Optional
✗
Heated Seats
Optional
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000km
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
12500
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Forester
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Forester
Fuel Economy
Countryman
Value
Forester
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
MINI Countryman
Better fuel economy (6.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price (R407 000)
Higher towing capacity (2000kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.1ss)
Higher fuel consumption (10.5L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Countryman or Forester?
The Countryman uses 6.8 l/100km and the Forester uses 10.5L/100km on the combined cycle. The Countryman 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 Countryman or Forester?
The Countryman produces 115 kW and 240 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 169kW@5200 and 320Nm@2800 of torque. The Forester is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Countryman and Forester?
The Countryman starts from R746 906 and the Forester from R407 000. The Forester is cheaper by R339 906 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 1510 Kg and the Forester can tow 2000kg. 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.