VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
55 kW
Torque
148 Nm
130 Nm
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
5.5 l/100km
Towing
—
—
0-100 km/h
—
12.8 s
Engine
1499 cc
1398 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 55 kW. On fuel, the C35 returns 7.2 l/100km while the Polo Vivo uses 5.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R274 950 for the C35 and R271 900 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
55 kW
Torque
148 Nm
130 Nm
0-100 kph
—
12.8 s
Top Speed
140 Km/h
171 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
1398 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.2 l/100km
5.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
187 g/km
132 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
3972 mm
Width
1680 mm
1682 mm
Height
1960 mm
1462 mm
Wheelbase
3050 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance
—
143 mm
Kerb Weight
1290 Kg
1063 Kg
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
5
Seats
2
5
Load Volume
5100 l
280-952 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Load Capacity
800 l
—
Safety
ABS
Optional
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
—
2 (opt 4)
Driver Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
Optional
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3 vehicle / 5 engine
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
120000 vehicle / 150000 engine Km
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
3 / 4 categories
Performance
C35
Fuel Economy
Polo Vivo
Value
Polo Vivo
Practicality
Polo Vivo
Pros & Cons
DFSK C35
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Better fuel economy (5.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R271 900)
Less power than rival (55 kW vs 85 kW)
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 5.5 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 55 kW and 130 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 R271 900. The Polo Vivo is cheaper by R3 050 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 0 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.