Mahindra Scorpio-N vs Mini Countryman
What's the difference?

Mahindra Scorpio-N

$48,990 - $48,990

2026 price

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Mini Countryman

$45,900 - $81,800

2025 price

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Summary

2026 Mahindra Scorpio-N

2025 Mini Countryman

By Marcus Craft

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Inline 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.2L/100km (combined)

7.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Capable 4WD
Reasonable on-road
Now it has more safety gear

Gorgeous Mini styling
Strong on-road performance
Lots of personalisation available

Dislikes

No mechanical changes
It costs more
No ANCAP safety rating

Lacking a few features for a top-grade model
An expensive endeavour for a Mini
Not much separates the two trim levels

2026 Mahindra Scorpio-N Summary

The Mahindra Scorpio is back – but now it has upgraded safety tech (including AEB) and it’s only available in one variant: the Z8L+.

This is a 4WD wagon with a fair bit of appeal: seven seats, a stack of standard features, a low-range transfer case, an automatic rear diff lock and its price-tag – at just under $50 grand – won’t kick you in the space near the pocket where you keep your wallet.

It hasn’t undergone any mechanical changes so is the Scorpio any good off-road?

Read on.

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2025 Mini Countryman Summary

The Mini Countryman is the not-so-mini cousin to the iconic and smaller Mini Cooper.

The new generation offers a larger body-size, fun new interiors and a whole suite of updated technology.

We're in the flagship John Cooper Works grade in Favoured trim to find out if this small SUV is still urban-friendly and fun after all of these changes.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mahindra Scorpio-N 2025 Mini Countryman

Verdict

It may seem like I've been harsh on this Mahindra but I reckon the Scorpio Z8L+ is a positive product for the company.

It’s nice enough to drive on-road – reasonably refined and comfortable – and it’s also a capable 4WD, with some trade-offs.

But this seven-seat wagon remains a good value-for-money prospect with the addition of more driver-assist tech onboard boosting its safety and adding to its overall appeal.

Verdict

The new Mini Countryman John Cooper Works in Favoured trim offers everything you’d expect it to - the iconic Mini styling, a powerful driving performance and a well-equipped cabin. It’s a wonderfully quick urban dweller that you can park anywhere but is just as happy on the open-road. For me, this is pure fun and offers more personality than a lot of its rivals.

Mahindra Scorpio-N vs Mini Countryman What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mahindra Scorpio-N vs Mini Countryman
What's the difference?