Volkswagen Taigun vs Mahindra XUV700 2024 Compared for Performance Enthusiasts: The Best Variant in Rs 15-18 Lakh Range

As far as the thrill of driving is concerned, an enthusiast looks for the best performance cars or top sports cars in India, and considers high-performance models when buying a car. Let’s compare Volkswagen Taigun and Mahindra XUV700 2024, and see how their variants fare in terms of performance.

In this article, we will share

• What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
• Volkswagen Taigun vs Mahindra XUV700 2024 – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
• How to pick the right car for you

What a Performance Enthusiast Looks for in a Car

Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:

• Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
• Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
• Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
• Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance

A performance enthusiast prioritizes a vehicle’s ability to deliver exhilarating driving experiences. Key factors include a powerful engine with quick responsiveness and linear power delivery, a smooth and precise transmission, and agile handling with minimal body roll. 

Performance enthusiasts also value a well-tuned suspension that provides excellent high-speed stability and a sporty exhaust note. Additionally, features like advanced traction control systems, performance tires, and aerodynamic enhancements contribute to a car’s overall performance appeal.

Why Volkswagen Taigun and Mahindra XUV700 2024 are Popular

The Volkswagen Taigun and Mahindra XUV700 2024 have gained popularity among performance enthusiasts due to their impressive powertrain options and dynamic driving characteristics. 

The Taigun offers two turbocharged TSI engine options – a 1.0-liter and a 1.5-liter – both known for their peppy performance and quick responsiveness. The 1.5-liter TSI, in particular, delivers an exhilarating driving experience with its 147.51 BHP and 250 Nm of torque. The Taigun’s agile handling, minimal body roll, and precise steering make it a joy to drive on winding roads.

The Mahindra XUV700, on the other hand, boasts a powerful 2.0-liter petrol engine that churns out an impressive 197.13 BHP and 380 Nm of torque. This engine, coupled with the XUV700’s advanced suspension setup, provides a perfect blend of performance and comfort. 

The XUV700 also offers a 2.2-liter diesel engine option, which is popular among enthusiasts who prefer the strong mid-range torque delivery. With its spacious and well-appointed interior, the XUV700 combines performance with practicality, making it an attractive choice for performance enthusiasts with families.

Volkswagen Taigun and Mahindra XUV700 2024 Variants Shortlist in Rs 15-18 Lakh Range

For Volkswagen Taigun, we have:

Variant	Price as on 9 April 2024
1.0 TSI Highline AT	₹1,520,000
1.5 TSI GT Plus	₹1,780,000
1.5 GT Plus Edge	₹1,800,000

For Mahindra XUV700 2024, we have:

Variant	Price as on 9 April 2024
AX3	₹1,651,000
AX3 E Diesel	₹1,744,000
AX5	₹1,784,000

Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Highline AT

This variant is an excellent choice for performance enthusiasts who prefer the convenience of an automatic transmission without compromising on performance. The 1.0-liter TSI engine delivers peppy performance, while the torque converter automatic transmission ensures smooth and responsive gear shifts. The Taigun’s razor-sharp handling and minimal body roll make it a delight to drive on twisty roads. If you’re budget conscious, you can read our comparison of the Taigun with Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.

Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI GT Plus

Powered by the more potent 1.5-liter TSI engine, this variant offers an exhilarating driving experience with its 147.51 BHP and 250 Nm of torque. The smooth-shifting manual transmission provides a more engaging driving experience, allowing the driver to have full control over the engine’s power delivery. The GT Plus variant also comes with additional performance-oriented features like a stiffer suspension setup and sportier aesthetics. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Taigun with Hyundai Creta 2024.

 

Mahindra XUV700 AX5

The XUV700 AX5 is an attractive option for performance enthusiasts who desire a spacious and feature-packed SUV. Powered by a 2.0-liter petrol engine that produces 197.13 BHP and 380 Nm of torque, this variant offers exhilarating performance. The AX5 also comes equipped with advanced features like an electronic stability program (ESP), traction control, and an advanced suspension setup that enhances its handling capabilities. If you enjoy long drives, you can read our comparison of the XUV700 2024 with Mahindra Scorpio-N.

Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Volkswagen Taigun and Mahindra XUV700 2024 for Performance Enthusiasts

After carefully analyzing the attributes and features of the shortlisted variants, we recommend the Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI GT Plus as the best option for performance enthusiasts. The Taigun 1.5 TSI GT Plus is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine that delivers an impressive 147.51 BHP and 250 Nm of torque. 

This engine is known for its quick responsiveness and linear power delivery, providing an exhilarating driving experience. The smooth-shifting 7-speed manual transmission allows the driver to have full control over the engine’s power, making it a delight for enthusiasts who prefer a more engaging driving experience.

The Taigun’s agile handling and minimal body roll make it a joy to drive on winding roads. The GT Plus variant comes with a stiffer suspension setup that enhances its cornering abilities while maintaining a comfortable ride quality. The precise and well-weighted steering provides excellent feedback, allowing the driver to have a better connection with the road.

In addition to its performance credentials, the Taigun 1.5 TSI GT Plus also offers a host of features that appeal to enthusiasts. These include sportier aesthetics, a digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system with wireless connectivity, and ventilated front seats. The GT Plus variant also comes equipped with advanced safety features like electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control, which enhance its overall performance and safety.

Overall, the Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI GT Plus’s combination of powerful performance, engaging driving dynamics, and feature-rich interior make it the best choice for performance enthusiasts among the compared variants.

The Top 3 Choices

1. Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI GT Plus
2. Mahindra XUV700 AX5
3. Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Edge

Attribute	Taigun 1.5 TSI GT Plus	XUV700 AX5	Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Edge
Engine – power (BHP)	147.51	197.13	147.51
Engine – Torque (Nm)	250	380	250
Transmission – # of gears	7	6	6
Turbocharging	Yes	Yes	Yes
ESC	Yes	Yes	Yes
Traction Control	Yes	No	Yes
Wireless charging	Yes	No	Yes
Airbags (number)	6	4	4
Knee/curtain airbags	Yes	No	No
LED Headlights	No	Yes	No
Lumbar support	Yes	No	Yes
Sunroof (panoramic, standard)	No	No	Yes
Ventilated seats	Yes	No	No

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI GT Plus takes the top spot with its powerful and responsive 1.5-liter TSI engine, engaging manual transmission, and sporty handling. 
• The Mahindra XUV700 AX5 follows closely with its impressive 2.0-liter petrol engine, spacious cabin, and advanced features. 
• The Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Edge secures the third position, offering similar performance as the GT Plus variant but with additional features like a sunroof and wireless charging.

The Taigun 1.5 TSI GT Plus is the perfect choice for enthusiasts who prioritize engaging driving dynamics and sporty aesthetics. The XUV700 AX5 appeals to those who desire a powerful and feature-packed SUV, while the Taigun 1.5 GT Plus Edge offers a balance of performance and premium amenities.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.