Mahindra XUV500 vs Volkswagen Golf

What's the difference?

VS
Mahindra XUV500
Mahindra XUV500

2018 price

Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf

$38,690 - $72,490

2025 price

Summary

2018 Mahindra XUV500
2025 Volkswagen Golf
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
6.7L/100km (combined)

8.3L/100km (combined)
Seating
7

5
Dislikes
  • Underwhelming safety
  • Steering that requires plenty of guesswork
  • Cheap-feeling interior

  • Tight for width in the rear
  • No spare
  • Economy could be better
2018 Mahindra XUV500 Summary

Just in case attacking Australia's crowded SUV market with a virtually unheard of Indian brand wasn't a high enough hurdle to leap over, Mahindra had made its task even harder - think a Bollywood version of Mission Impossible - by launching its XUV500 SUV here with a diesel engine (which nobody wanted) and a manual gearbox (which few could even remember how to use). 

Fortunately, it fixed one of those issues late in 2016, finally adding an automatic transmission to the line-up. And now, at long last, it's fixed the other.

This, then, is the petrol-powered XUV500 SUV. And, on paper at least, it's the most sense-making Mahindra to date. 

For one, it's a ferociously cheap way into a new seven-seat SUV. For another, it's pretty well equipped, even from the base level. There's a long warranty, an equally long roadside assistance offering, and there's capped-price servicing, too. 

So, should the mainstream SUV players be looking over their shoulders?

Spoiler alert: no.

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2025 Volkswagen Golf Summary

It was the moment the Golf grew up. Just over 20 years ago Volkswagen unveiled a fire-breathing R32 variant to top the fourth-gen line-up of its already iconic hatch. With a growling atmo V6 engine, proper Haldex-based all-wheel drive, fat rubber and a pumped-up body, it instantly became the brand’s performance flagship.  

And another four Golf generations later an updated ‘8.5’ version of its current ancestor, the Golf R has arrived. An equally focused, heavy-hitting AWD with just over 30 per cent more torque and close to 40 per cent more power than that snarling, original R32.

CarsGuide was invited to its local launch, including a suitably challenging drive program on road and track. So, stay with us to see if this exceedingly hot hatch can earn a spot on your performance five-door short list.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Mahindra XUV500 2025 Volkswagen Golf

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