VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
49 kW
Torque
148 Nm
95 Nm
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Engine
1499 cc
998 cc
Choosing between the DFSK C35 and the KIA Picanto is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The DFSK C35 delivers 85 kW while the KIA Picanto produces 49 kW. On fuel, the C35 returns 7.2 l/100km while the Picanto uses 5.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R304 950 for the C35 and R256 995 for the Picanto. 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
DFSK C35DFSK 1.5 C35 F/C P/V (4 Seater) 2026 - From R304 950
KIA Picanto1.0 LS A/T 2025 - From R256 995
Performance
Power Output
85 kW
49 kW
Torque
148 Nm
95 Nm
Top Speed
140 Km/h
149 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
5
4
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.2 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
35 l
CO2 Emissions
187 g/km
126 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
3595 mm
Width
1680 mm
1595 mm
Height
1960 mm
1495 mm
Wheelbase
3050 mm
2400 mm
Ground Clearance
—
151 mm
Kerb Weight
1290 Kg
979 Kg
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
5
Seats
4
5
Load Volume
2550 l
255-1010 l
Towing & Payload
Load Capacity
495 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
Optional
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
-
2
Driver Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
2yr
Service Plan Distance
—
30000km
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Picanto
3 / 4 categories
Performance
C35
Fuel Economy
Picanto
Value
Picanto
Practicality
Picanto
Pros & Cons
DFSK C35
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
KIA Picanto
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R256 995)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (49 kW vs 85 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C35 or Picanto?
The C35 uses 7.2 l/100km and the Picanto uses 5.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Picanto 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 C35 or Picanto?
The C35 produces 85 kW and 148 Nm of torque while the Picanto delivers 49 kW and 95 Nm of torque. The C35 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the C35 and Picanto?
The C35 starts from R304 950 and the Picanto from R256 995. The Picanto is cheaper by R47 955 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the C35 or the Picanto?
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.