VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
53 kW
Torque
148 Nm
96 Nm
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Towing
—
-
0-100 km/h
—
16.0 s
Engine
1499 cc
999 cc
Choosing between the DFSK C35 and the Nissan Magnite is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The DFSK C35 delivers 85 kW while the Nissan Magnite produces 53 kW. On fuel, the C35 returns 7.2 l/100km while the Magnite uses 5.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R274 950 for the C35 and R229 900 for the Magnite. 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
Nissan MagniteMOVE 1.0 Visia F/C P/V 2025 - From R229 900
Performance
Power Output
85 kW
53 kW
Torque
148 Nm
96 Nm
0-100 kph
—
16.0 s
Top Speed
140 Km/h
150 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.2 l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
187 g/km
140 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
3995 mm
Width
1680 mm
1758-1938 mm
Height
1960 mm
1571 mm
Wheelbase
3050 mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance
—
205 mm
Kerb Weight
1290 Kg
1006 Kg
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
5
Seats
2
2
Load Volume
5100 l
690 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
-
Load Capacity
800 lkg
250 lkg
Safety
ABS
Optional
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
-
2
Driver Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
Optional
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
6
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
150000 Km
Service Intervals
10000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Magnite
2 / 4 categories
Performance
C35
Fuel Economy
Magnite
Value
Magnite
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
DFSK C35
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Nissan Magnite
Better fuel economy (5.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R229 900)
Less power than rival (53 kW vs 85 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C35 or Magnite?
The C35 uses 7.2 l/100km and the Magnite uses 5.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Magnite 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 Magnite?
The C35 produces 85 kW and 148 Nm of torque while the Magnite delivers 53 kW and 96 Nm of torque. The C35 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the C35 and Magnite?
The C35 starts from R274 950 and the Magnite from R229 900. The Magnite is cheaper by R45 050 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the C35 or Magnite?
The C35 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Magnite can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the C35 or the Magnite?
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