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 South African car buyers 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 R259 999 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.
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 l
—
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
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
3
Service Plan Distance
—
55000
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mahindra XUV 3XO
3 / 4 categories
Performance
C35
Fuel Economy
XUV 3XO
Value
XUV 3XO
Practicality
XUV 3XO
Pros & Cons
DFSK C35
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Mahindra XUV 3XO
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R259 999)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (82 kW vs 85 kW)
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 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 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 R259 999. The XUV 3XO is cheaper by R14 951 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.