VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
88 kW
Torque
148 Nm
172 Nm
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
5.8 l/100km
Towing
—
1100 Kg
Engine
1499 cc
998 cc
Choosing between the DFSK C35 and the Kia Sonet is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The DFSK C35 delivers 85 kW while the Kia Sonet produces 88 kW. On fuel, the C35 returns 7.2 l/100km while the Sonet uses 5.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R274 950 for the C35 and R436 995 for the Sonet. 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
88 kW
Torque
148 Nm
172 Nm
Top Speed
140 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
5
7
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.2 l/100km
5.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
187 g/km
133 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
4110 mm
Width
1680 mm
1790 mm
Height
1960 mm
1610 mm
Wheelbase
3050 mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance
—
190 mm
Kerb Weight
1290 Kg
1201 Kg
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
5
Seats
2
5
Load Volume
5100 l
385 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1100 Kg
Load Capacity
800 l
—
Safety
ABS
Optional
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
—
2
Driver Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
Optional
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
3
Service Plan Distance
—
45000
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Kia Sonet
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Sonet
Fuel Economy
Sonet
Value
C35
Practicality
Sonet
Pros & Cons
DFSK C35
Lower starting price (R274 950)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 88 kW)
No factory service plan
Kia Sonet
More powerful engine (88 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.8 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C35 or Sonet?
The C35 uses 7.2 l/100km and the Sonet uses 5.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Sonet 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 C35 or Sonet?
The C35 produces 85 kW and 148 Nm of torque while the Sonet delivers 88 kW and 172 Nm of torque. The Sonet is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the C35 and Sonet?
The C35 starts from R274 950 and the Sonet from R436 995. The C35 is cheaper by R162 045 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the C35 or Sonet?
The C35 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Sonet can tow 1100 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the C35 or the Sonet?
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.