Mini South Africa recently launched its Countryman, the brand's biggest model, and from the looks of things, the newcomer is set to shake-up its segment. Would we choose it over two of its rivals, though? Let's compare them and find out!
Related: Mini Countryman (2024) - First Drive Review
Mini Countryman C
We have selected the entry-level model within the Countryman range. Badged the C, this variant will likely be the most popular derivative within the range.
Powertrain
The Countryman C is powered by a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 115 kW of power and 240 Nm of torque. The engine sends power to the front wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. BMW claims it will sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and a fuel consumption figure of 6.1 L/100km.
Standard Trim
The Countryman C offers a fair amount of equipment, including 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control, a multi-function steering wheel touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a digitised instrument cluster, keyless entry/start, partial cloth/artificial leather-covered seats, cruise control, an electrically operated tailgate, keyless start, a panoramic roof, heated sport front seats, front and rear PDC, and a reverse camera.
Safety
In this guise, the Countryman comes with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, and TCS. The new model is yet to be crash-tested, but its mechanical twin, the BMW X1, was crash-tested in 2022 by Euro NCAP, where it achieved a 5-star rating.
Practicality
The Countryman has seating for five and a 440-litre boot that expands to 505 or 1 530 litres with the rear seats folded flat. It also has a ground clearance of 202mm and a braked towing capacity of 1 510kg.
Price
The Mini Countryman C will cost R758 820 before options.
Alfa Romeo Tonale 1.5T Hybrid Ti
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is the Italian brand's most attainable product, but does it have what it takes to win in this comparison?
Powertrain
The Tonale is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with mild hybrid assistance. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. and produces 118kW and 240Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-100km/h time of 8.8 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption of 5.7 L/100km.
Standard Trim
In this guise, the Tonale has 18-inch alloy wheels, climate control, a multi-function steering wheel, lane departure warning/lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a colour touchscreen infotainment system, a digitised instrument cluster, keyless entry/start, partial cloth/leather seats, matrix LED headlights, front and rear PDC and a reverse camera.
Safety
The Tonale is fitted with 6 airbags, has ABS with EBD, and a traction control and stability program. Euro NCAP tested the product in 2022 where it achieved a 5-star rating.
Practicality
The Tonale offers seating for 5 adults, a 500-litre boot that expands to 1 550-litres, a ground clearance of 152 mm and a braked towing capacity of 1 250kg.
Price
The retail price for the Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid Ti is R787 900.
Volvo XC40 B3 Ultimate Dark
The XC40 has established itself as a solid contender in the premium compact crossover segment, and the variant we have chosen for this test has the in-car tech and aesthetics to take on its newer rivals!
Powertrain
Under the bonnet of the XC40 is a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with milf hybrid assistance. It produces 110 kW and 265 Nm torque. It sends power to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. A 0-100km/h time of 10.1 seconds is claimed, and fuel consumption is claimed at 7.1 L/100km.
Standard Trim
The Ultimate Dark specification of the XC40 comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, climate control, a multi-function steering wheel, a colour touchscreen infotainment system, a digitised instrument cluster, lane keep assist, keyless entry/start, heated leather seats, electrically adjustable front seats, cruise control, as well as front and rear PDC with a reverse camera.
Safety
The XC40 has 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, and traction/stability control. It was crash-tested by Euro NCAP and achieved a 5-star safety rating in 2018.
Practicality
You get a 452-litre boot that expands to 893 or 1 328 litres with the second row of seats folded. There's also 211mm of ground clearance and a braked towing capacity of 1 800kg.
Price
The XC40 B3, in Ultimate Dark trim, will cost you R 774 000
MINI Countryman C |
Alfa Romeo Tonale 1.5T Hybrid Ti |
Volvo XC40 B3 Ultimate Dark | |
Engine size (cyl/size) | 3-cyl, 1.5-litre turbo petrol | 4-cyl, 1.5-litre turbo petrol with 48-volt electrical assistance | 4-cyl, 1.5-litre turbo petrol with 48-volt electrical assistance |
Power/Torque | 115 kW/240 Nm | 118 kW/240 Nm | 110 kW/265 Nm |
CO2 emissions | 138 g/km | 130 g/km | 162 g/km |
Airbag count | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Fuel tank capacity | 54 litres | 55 litres | 54 litres |
Ave Consumption * | 6.1 L/100 km | 5.7 L/100 km | 7.1 L/100 km |
Driven wheels | Front | Front | Front |
Boot volume | 440/505-1530-litres | 500-1550-litres | 452-893-1328-litres |
Service plan (maintenance) | 5-yr/100 000km | 5-yr/100 000km | 5-yr/100 000km |
Price | R 758 820 | R 787 900 | R 774 000 |
* Manufacturer's claimed figures.
Pricing was all-inclusive at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.
Verdict
The three products we're comparing here are solid entrants into the segment and are all very compatible in terms of price, spec and practicality. However, our choice will come from our personal experience testing these products. From our experience, the Mini Countryman is the most efficient of the trio while being the newest, granting it the victory in this comparison.
