VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
82 kW
Torque
148 Nm
200 Nm
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Engine
1499 cc
1197 cc
Choosing between the DFSK C35 and the Mahindra XUV 3xo is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The DFSK C35 delivers 85 kW while the Mahindra XUV 3xo produces 82 kW. On fuel, the C35 returns 7.2 l/100km while the XUV 3xo uses 5.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R274 950 for the C35 and R283 499 for the XUV 3xo. 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
Mahindra XUV 3xoXuv3x0 1.2t Mx3 2024 - From R283 499
Performance
Power Output
85 kW
82 kW
Torque
148 Nm
200 Nm
Top Speed
140 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
1197 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
6
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.2 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
42 l
CO2 Emissions
187 g/km
137 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
3990 mm
Width
1680 mm
1821 mm
Height
1960 mm
1647 mm
Wheelbase
3050 mm
2600 mm
Ground Clearance
—
201 mm
Kerb Weight
1290 Kg
1379 Kg
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
5
Seats
2
5
Load Volume
5100 l
364 l
Towing & Payload
Load Capacity
800 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
Optional
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
-
6
Driver Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
Optional
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
3yr
Service Plan Distance
—
55000km
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
C35
Fuel Economy
XUV 3xo
Value
C35
Practicality
XUV 3xo
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
Mahindra XUV 3xo
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (82 kW vs 85 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C35 or XUV 3xo?
The C35 uses 7.2 l/100km and the XUV 3xo uses 5.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The XUV 3xo 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 XUV 3xo?
The C35 produces 85 kW and 148 Nm of torque while the XUV 3xo delivers 82 kW and 200 Nm of torque. The C35 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the C35 and XUV 3xo?
The C35 starts from R274 950 and the XUV 3xo from R283 499. The C35 is cheaper by R8 549 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the C35 or the XUV 3xo?
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