VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
81 kW
Torque
148 Nm
200 Nm
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
4.8 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
9.7 s
Engine
1499 cc
999 cc
Choosing between the DFSK C35 and the Volkswagen Polo Vivo is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The DFSK C35 delivers 85 kW while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo produces 81 kW. On fuel, the C35 returns 7.2 l/100km while the Polo Vivo uses 4.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R274 950 for the C35 and R363 300 for the Polo Vivo. 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
81 kW
Torque
148 Nm
200 Nm
0-100 kph
—
9.7 s
Top Speed
140 Km/h
196 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
999 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
4.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
187 g/km
114 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
3972 mm
Width
1680 mm
1682 mm
Height
1960 mm
1447 mm
Wheelbase
3050 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance
—
128 mm
Kerb Weight
1290 Kg
1092 Kg
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
5
Seats
2
5
Load Volume
5100 l
280-952 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
800 l
—
Safety
ABS
Optional
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
—
4
Driver Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
Optional
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3 vehicle / 5 engine
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
120000 vehicle / 150000 engine Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
2
Service Plan Distance
—
30000
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
C35
Fuel Economy
Polo Vivo
Value
C35
Practicality
Polo Vivo
Pros & Cons
DFSK C35
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Lower starting price (R274 950)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
No factory service plan
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Better fuel economy (4.8 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (81 kW vs 85 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C35 or Polo Vivo?
The C35 uses 7.2 l/100km and the Polo Vivo uses 4.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Polo Vivo 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 Polo Vivo?
The C35 produces 85 kW and 148 Nm of torque while the Polo Vivo delivers 81 kW and 200 Nm of torque. The C35 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the C35 and Polo Vivo?
The C35 starts from R274 950 and the Polo Vivo from R363 300. The C35 is cheaper by R88 350 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the C35 or Polo Vivo?
The C35 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Polo Vivo can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the C35 or the Polo Vivo?
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.