VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
125 kW
Torque
148 Nm
390 Nm
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
8.7 l/100km
Towing
—
2800 Kg
Engine
1499 cc
1996 cc
Choosing between the DFSK C35 and the Volkswagen Transporter is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The DFSK C35 delivers 85 kW while the Volkswagen Transporter produces 125 kW. On fuel, the C35 returns 7.2 l/100km while the Transporter uses 8.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R274 950 for the C35 and R1 342 400 for the Transporter. 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.
Performance
Power Output
85 kW
125 kW
Torque
148 Nm
390 Nm
Top Speed
140 Km/h
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
1996 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
5
8
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.2 l/100km
8.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
187 g/km
227 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
5050 mm
Width
1680 mm
2032 mm
Height
1960 mm
1978 mm
Wheelbase
3050 mm
3100 mm
Ground Clearance
—
164 mm
Kerb Weight
1290 Kg
2009 Kg
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
Seats
2
8
Load Volume
5100 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2800 Kg
Load Capacity
800 lkg
1216 lkg
Safety
ABS
Optional
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
-
6
Driver Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
Optional
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
120000 Km
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Transporter
Fuel Economy
C35
Value
C35
Practicality
Transporter
Pros & Cons
DFSK C35
Better fuel economy (7.2 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R274 950)
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 125 kW)
Volkswagen Transporter
More powerful engine (125 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (8.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C35 or Transporter?
The C35 uses 7.2 l/100km and the Transporter uses 8.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The C35 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 Transporter?
The C35 produces 85 kW and 148 Nm of torque while the Transporter delivers 125 kW and 390 Nm of torque. The Transporter is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the C35 and Transporter?
The C35 starts from R274 950 and the Transporter from R1 342 400. The C35 is cheaper by R1 067 450 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the C35 or Transporter?
The C35 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Transporter can tow 2800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the C35 or the Transporter?
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