◆
VS
At a Glance
Power
88kW@6000
85 kW
Torque
160Nm@4250
148 Nm
Fuel
5.9L/100km
7.2 l/100km
Towing
1150kg
—
0-100 km/h
8.9s
—
Engine
1598cc
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 88kW@6000 while the DFSK C35 produces 85 kW. On fuel, the C3 returns 5.9L/100km while the C35 uses 7.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R231 900 for the C3 and R304 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 C31.6 VTI 120 Exclusive 2013 - From R231 900
DFSK C35DFSK 1.5 C35 F/C P/V (4 Seater) 2026 - From R304 950
Performance
Power Output
88kW@6000
85 kW
Torque
160Nm@4250
148 Nm
0-100 kph
8.9s
—
Top Speed
190km/h
140 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1598cc
1499 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 3
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Transmission
MANUAL
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
rear
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.9L/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
7.9L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
4.8L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
50L
55 l
CO2 Emissions
136g/km
187 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3941mm
4500 mm
Width
1728-1986mm
1680 mm
Height
1524mm
1960 mm
Wheelbase
2466mm
3050 mm
Ground Clearance
-
—
Kerb Weight
1075kg
1290 Kg
Doors
5
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
—
2550 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1150kg
—
Load Capacity
300kg
495 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
Optional
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✗
—
Traction Control
✗
—
Airbag Count
6
-
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
—
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
—
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
Optional
—
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
PANORAMIC
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
5
Warranty Distance
100000km
100000 Km
Service Plan
S
—
Service Intervals
20000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Citroen C3
4 / 4 categories
Performance
C3
Fuel Economy
C3
Value
C3
Practicality
C3
Pros & Cons
Citroen C3
Better fuel economy (5.9L/100km)
Lower starting price (R231 900)
Few notable weaknesses
DFSK C35
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C3 or C35?
The C3 uses 5.9L/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 88kW@6000 and 160Nm@4250 of torque while the C35 delivers 85 kW and 148 Nm of torque. The C3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the C3 and C35?
The C3 starts from R231 900 and the C35 from R304 950. The C3 is cheaper by R73 050 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 1150kg 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.
Also Consider