VS
At a Glance
Power
160kW@6000
169kW@5200
Torque
280Nm@1900
320Nm@2800
Fuel
7.9L/100km
10.5L/100km
Towing
1000kg
2000kg
0-100 km/h
7s
7.1s
Engine
1598cc
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 160kW@6000 while the Subaru Forester produces 169kW@5200. On fuel, the Countryman returns 7.9L/100km while the Forester uses 10.5L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R469 590 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 JCW Steptronic 2012 - From R469 590
Subaru Forester2.5 XT 2008 - From R407 000
Performance
Power Output
160kW@6000
169kW@5200
Torque
280Nm@1900
320Nm@2800
0-100 kph
7s
7.1s
Top Speed
223km/h
210km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1598cc
2457cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.9L/100km
10.5L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
10.7L/100km
14.4L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
6.3L/100km
8.2L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
47L
60L
CO2 Emissions
184g/km
248g/km
Dimensions
Length
4133mm
4560mm
Width
1789mm
1780mm
Height
1561mm
1700mm
Wheelbase
2595mm
2615mm
Ground Clearance
137mm
215mm
Kerb Weight
1405kg
1510kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000kg
2000kg
Load Capacity
1170kg
1660kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✗
Park Distance Rear
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
Optional
✗
Heated Seats
Optional
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
36
Warranty Distance
-
100000km
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
25000
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 (7.9L/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7ss)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price (R407 000)
Higher towing capacity (2000kg)
Higher fuel consumption (10.5L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Countryman or Forester?
The Countryman uses 7.9L/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 160kW@6000 and 280Nm@1900 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 R469 590 and the Forester from R407 000. The Forester is cheaper by R62 590 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 1000kg 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.
Also Consider