VS
At a Glance
Power
160kW@6000
185kW@5000
Torque
280Nm@1900
360Nm@3600
Fuel
7.9
10.7
Towing
1000
2000
0-100 km/h
7
—
Engine
1598
2457
Choosing between the MINI COUNTRYMAN and the SUBARU FORESTER is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The MINI COUNTRYMAN delivers 160kW@6000 while the SUBARU FORESTER produces 185kW@5000. On fuel, the COUNTRYMAN returns 7.9 while the FORESTER uses 10.7 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R469 590 for the COUNTRYMAN and R369 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.
Performance
Power Output
160kW@6000
185kW@5000
Torque
280Nm@1900
360Nm@3600
0-100 kph
7
—
Top Speed
223
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1598
2457
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
6
4
Drive Wheels
FRONT
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.9
10.7
Fuel Consumption Urban
10.7
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
6.3
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
47
60
CO2 Emissions
184
—
Dimensions
Length
4133
4485
Width
1789
1735
Height
1561
1585
Wheelbase
2595
2525
Ground Clearance
137
200
Kerb Weight
1405
1525
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000
2000
Load Capacity
1170
1692
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
6
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✗
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✗
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
36
Warranty Distance
—
100000
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
25000
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
SUBARU FORESTER
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
COUNTRYMAN
Value
FORESTER
Practicality
FORESTER
Pros & Cons
MINI COUNTRYMAN
Better fuel economy (7.9)
Higher starting price
SUBARU FORESTER
Lower starting price (R369 000)
Higher towing capacity (2000)
Higher fuel consumption (10.7)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the COUNTRYMAN or FORESTER?
The COUNTRYMAN uses 7.9 and the FORESTER uses 10.7 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 COUNTRYMAN or FORESTER?
The COUNTRYMAN produces 160kW@6000 and 280Nm@1900 of torque while the FORESTER delivers 185kW@5000 and 360Nm@3600 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the COUNTRYMAN and FORESTER?
The COUNTRYMAN starts from R469 590 and the FORESTER from R369 000. The FORESTER is cheaper by R100 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 1000 and the FORESTER can tow 2000. 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.