VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
62 kW
Torque
148 Nm
122 Nm
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
5.8 l/100km
Engine
1499 cc
1248 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 62 kW. On fuel, the C35 returns 7.2 l/100km while the Picanto uses 5.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R274 950 for the C35 and R325 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 2026 - From R274 950
KIA Picanto1.2 EX+ A/T 2024 - From R325 995
Performance
Power Output
85 kW
62 kW
Torque
148 Nm
122 Nm
Top Speed
140 Km/h
160 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
1248 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
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
5.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
35 l
CO2 Emissions
187 g/km
138 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
985 Kg
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
5
Seats
2
5
Load Volume
5100 l
255-1010 l
Towing & Payload
Load Capacity
800 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
Optional
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
-
2
Driver Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
Optional
✓ Standard
Climate 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
unlimited Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
2yr
Service Plan Distance
—
30000km
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
C35
Fuel Economy
Picanto
Value
C35
Practicality
Picanto
Pros & Cons
DFSK C35
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Lower starting price (R274 950)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
No factory service plan
KIA Picanto
Better fuel economy (5.8 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (62 kW vs 85 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C35 or Picanto?
The C35 uses 7.2 l/100km and the Picanto uses 5.8 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 62 kW and 122 Nm of torque. The C35 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the C35 and Picanto?
The C35 starts from R274 950 and the Picanto from R325 995. The C35 is cheaper by R51 045 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.
Also Consider