VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
85 kW
Torque
205 Nm
148 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Towing
-
—
Engine
1199 cc
1499 cc
Choosing between the Citroen C3 and the DFSK C35 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Citroen C3 delivers 81 kW while the DFSK C35 produces 85 kW. On fuel, the C3 returns 6.3 l/100km while the C35 uses 7.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R317 900 for the C3 and R274 950 for the C35. 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.
Specification
Citroen C31.2t MAX A/T 2026 - From R317 900
DFSK C35DFSK 1.5 C35 F/C P/V 2026 - From R274 950
Performance
Power Output
81 kW
85 kW
Torque
205 Nm
148 Nm
Top Speed
-
140 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1199 cc
1499 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
front
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
149 g/km
187 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3987 mm
4500 mm
Width
1733- mm
1680 mm
Height
1602 mm
1960 mm
Wheelbase
2540 mm
3050 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1094 / 1126 Kg
1290 Kg
Doors
5
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
Seats
5
2
Load Volume
315 l
5100 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
—
Load Capacity
385 lkg
800 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
Optional
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
-
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
—
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
—
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
Optional
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
2yr
—
Service Plan Distance
30000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
C35
Fuel Economy
C3
Value
C35
Practicality
C3
Pros & Cons
Citroen C3
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (81 kW vs 85 kW)
Higher starting price
DFSK C35
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Lower starting price (R274 950)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C3 or C35?
The C3 uses 6.3 l/100km and the C35 uses 7.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The C3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the C3 or C35?
The C3 produces 81 kW and 205 Nm of torque while the C35 delivers 85 kW and 148 Nm of torque. The C35 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the C3 and C35?
The C3 starts from R317 900 and the C35 from R274 950. The C35 is cheaper by R42 950 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the C3 or C35?
The C3 has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the C35 can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the C3 or the C35?
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.