|
|
VS |
|
This is the new Suzuki Vitara Vs Mini Countryman comparison. Continuing on with our series of the comparisons featuring the Suzuki Vitara and its competitors this time we had another look at the Mini Countryman since it is in some parts of the world a ‘prestige’ small car. In reality the MINI badge, options catalogue and it’s PR is all that it has since most of it’s abilities are equal to any other SUV in the class. In it’s home market it certainly does not have any sort of aura of ‘prestige or retro’ appeal after all it not not meat any of MINI’s original purpose.
Suzuki Vitara Vs Mini Countryman exterior comparison: The Vitara and Countryman are complete opposites in their external design language. It is all curves and oversized features. Unfortunately if you take off the MINI badges anyone would easily mistake it a Fiat or the latest Chinese copycat design. Regardless it looks OK and makes the squared Vitara come seemingly from a different decade. The curves of he 1990’s made way of the edges in the 200o’s. So is the Countryman a retro? – no because MINI never made a SUV. Could the Countryman be a derivative of the original design language? No.
Suzuki Vitara Vs Mini Countryman interior comparison: Both are opposites when it comes to interior design, The Vitara purposely design for minimal and conservative design. It’s hard plastic does look Ok so should not be judged as a detriment as even the H-RV has a very prominent hard dash yet few complaints – except from us. The MINI Country has a curve filled interior with some modern interpretation of retro switchgear, it is a nice if not busier place to sit in. It does not feel luxurious or prestigious in standard trim but a nice modern interoperation of a fake or rose tinted retro design. Of course if you option up the Countryman interior is looks and feels mostly upmarket.
Suzuki Vitara Vs MINI Countryman engine and technology comparison: It is an easy win to the Countryman in terms of technology options which is expected since it is more expensive. The options catalogue on the Countryman make this a little unfair but that’s what buying a MINI is all about. However in standard the Countryman and Vitara are easily identical. The biggest flaw of the Countryman is of course the engine options as they are expensive and down on power except for the top range model which is a great option but mostly irrelevant to 99% of buyers.
Suzuki Vitara Vs MINI Countryman drive comparison: We like the way the Vitara drives – 1.4 turbo being the best choice and comprise of the part when cost is taken into account. Have not driven the Countryman yet and unlikely to.
Buy the MINI Countryman if you are a Badge snob or view the brand with heavily rose coloured glasses but historical reliability issues with the MINI persist so resale will not be what you expect. There are other retro cars and SUVs that are better. On the other hand buy Vitara if you value your hard earned cash and want to enjoy the drive and for something different and it’s much closer to the original MINI concept that the Countryman. The comparison just shows that said Suzuki needs to lift it’s brand image little to compete in 2016 and beyond. So is the MINI Countryman better that the Vitara without driving it? No not for the price and that’s the point as well – it’s not about the price – it appeals only to those who think it’s cool and willing to pay for it. Unfortunately and for once – all of agree that the MINI is not cool enough.
| MINI Countryman | Suzuki Vitara |
 |
 |
| Engines | |
| 4 Cylinder 1.6 Litre (1598cc) 95 Octane DOHC VVT EFI Claimed 90Kw @ 6000RPM Claimed 160Nm @ 4250RPM |
4 Cylinder petrol (K14C) 1.4 Litre (1373cc) Turbo DOHC VVT EFI Claimed 103Kw @ 5500 RPM Claimed 220Nm @ 1500 RPM |
| 4 Cylinder Turbo 1.6 Litre (1598cc) 95 Octane DOHC VVT EFI Claimed 140Kw @ 5500RPM Claimed 240Nm @ 1600RPM |
IL4 cylinder Diesel 1.6 Litre (1596cc) Turbo-charged – DI – CR Claimed 88kW @ 3750rpm Claimed 320Nm @ 1750rpm |
| 4 Cylinder Turbo Diesel 2.0 Litre (1995cc) Claimed 82Kw @ 4000RPM Claimed 270Nm @ 1750RPM |
4 Cylinder petrol (M16A) 1.6 Litre (1586cc) 91 Octane DOHC VVT EFI Claimed 86Kw @ 6000 RPM Claimed 156Nm @ 4400 RPM |
| Weight | |
| Kerb weight FROM 1300Kg Towing capacity – No towing. |
From Approx Kerb weight 1075 Kg Towing capacity up to 1200kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| Up to 47 litres IL4 1.6 6.5 Litres per 100km IL4 1.6 Turbo 7.1 litres per 100km IL4 1.6 Diesel 5.6 litres per 100km |
Up to 47 litres IL4 1.6 Petrol 5.8 litres per 100km IL4 1.4 Petrol turbo 5.9 litres per 100km IL4 1.6 Diesel 4.9 litres per 100km |
| Other specifications | |
| 6 speed manual or Auto Overall height/width 1561/1789 Overall length/wheelbase 4097/2595 4WD system: FWD or AWD on demand ANCAP Safety: 5/5 |
5 or 6 speed Auto 5 speed Manual Overall height/width 1610/1775 Overall length/wheelbase 4175/2500 4WD system: None AWD or 2WD ANCAP Safety: 5/5 Tyre size: |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
| Performance | |
| – | |
| Pricing | |
| 2016 FROM $34,990 – 59,200 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |
2016 $21,990 – 35,990 AUD |