VS
At a Glance
Power
230 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
494 Nm
320Nm@2800
Fuel
17.0-18.5 kWh/100km l/100km
10.5
Towing
1200 Kg
2000
0-100 km/h
5.6 s
7.9
Engine
electric cc
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 230 kW while the SUBARU FORESTER produces 169kW@5200. On fuel, the Countryman returns 17.0-18.5 kWh/100km l/100km while the FORESTER uses 10.5 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 110 000 for the Countryman and R452 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
230 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
494 Nm
320Nm@2800
0-100 kph
5.6 s
7.9
Top Speed
180 Km/h
207
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
2457
Engine Layout
—
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
—
4
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
17.0-18.5 kWh/100km l/100km
10.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
14.5
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.2
Fuel Tank Capacity
66.5 kWh l
60
CO2 Emissions
—
248
Dimensions
Length
4444 mm
4560
Width
1843-2069 mm
1780
Height
1635 mm
1700
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2615
Ground Clearance
—
215
Kerb Weight
2075 Kg
1525
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
460-1450 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1200 Kg
2000
Load Capacity
570 l
1660
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 battery
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
100000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
12500
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
SUBARU FORESTER
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Countryman
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
FORESTER
Practicality
FORESTER
Pros & Cons
MINI Countryman
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.6 ss)
Higher starting price
SUBARU FORESTER
Lower starting price (R452 000)
Higher towing capacity (2000)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Countryman or FORESTER?
The Countryman uses 17.0-18.5 kWh/100km l/100km and the FORESTER uses 10.5 on the combined cycle. 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 230 kW and 494 Nm of torque while the FORESTER delivers 169kW@5200 and 320Nm@2800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Countryman and FORESTER?
The Countryman starts from R1 110 000 and the FORESTER from R452 000. The FORESTER is cheaper by R658 000 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 1200 Kg 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.