VS
At a Glance
Power
44 kW
65 kW
Torque
158 Nm
115 Nm
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Engine
1478 cc
1240 cc
Choosing between the Ashok Leyland Dost and the DFSK K01S is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Ashok Leyland Dost delivers 44 kW while the DFSK K01S produces 65 kW. On fuel, the Dost returns 6.2 l/100km while the K01S uses 7.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R179 900 for the Dost and R198 950 for the K01S. 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
44 kW
65 kW
Torque
158 Nm
115 Nm
Top Speed
100 Km/h
110 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1478 cc
1240 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
—
175 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4650 mm
4435 mm
Width
1620 mm
1560 mm
Height
2020 mm
1825 mm
Wheelbase
2350 mm
2760 mm
Ground Clearance
177 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1340 Kg
880 Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Towing & Payload
Load Capacity
1205 l
985 l
Safety
ABS
—
Optional
Airbag Count
—
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
—
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
100000 Km
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ashok Leyland Dost
2 / 4 categories
Performance
K01S
Fuel Economy
Dost
Value
Dost
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Ashok Leyland Dost
Better fuel economy (6.2 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R179 900)
Less power than rival (44 kW vs 65 kW)
DFSK K01S
More powerful engine (65 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Dost or K01S?
The Dost uses 6.2 l/100km and the K01S uses 7.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Dost is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Dost or K01S?
The Dost produces 44 kW and 158 Nm of torque while the K01S delivers 65 kW and 115 Nm of torque. The K01S is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Dost and K01S?
The Dost starts from R179 900 and the K01S from R198 950. The Dost is cheaper by R19 050 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Dost or the K01S?
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.