Mahindra has opened bookings for the XUV 3XO ZNG across India as customer deliveries of the factory-CNG compact SUV have also commenced. The booking amount stands at Rs. 21,000 through Mahindra dealerships or the company’s online portal. Test drives began on October 15. Four trims are available starting at Rs. 9.99 lakh for the MX Edge and reaching Rs. 12.27 lakh for the RevX A.
The XUV 3XO ZNG gets Mahindra’s 1,197 cc, three-cylinder, 1.2-litre mStallion TCMPFi turbo petrol engine. It develops 111 hp at 5,000 rpm and 200 Nm between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm in CNG mode similar to its petrol-mode figures. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard across the ZNG range and Mahindra claims 0 to 60 kmph in 4.9 seconds and 0 to 100 kmph in 11.8 seconds on CNG alongside an official efficiency figure of 24.7 km per kg.
Two CNG cylinders are positioned beneath the luggage compartment preserving a flat boot floor and leaving 270 litres of storage space. The spare wheel sits beneath the body. The SUV measures 3,990 mm long, 1,821 mm wide and 1,647 mm tall as the wheelbase stands at 2,600 mm. The regular petrol and diesel XUV 3XO offer 364 litres putting the CNG version 94 litres lower due to the additional fuel systems.
Mahindra has calibrated the turbocharger and ECU specifically for the ZNG and runs the CNG injection system at 10 bar. An integrated gas leak detector can automatically switch the engine to petrol if a leak is detected and the powertrain also changes over to petrol once the CNG supply is depleted. An NGV fast-filling valve supports quicker refuelling and the driver receives average as well as instantaneous fuel-efficiency information.
As for safety, six airbags are standard across all four ZNG trims along with Electronic Stability Control, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, three-point seatbelts for every occupant and rear parking sensors. It must be noted that the CNG derivative is based on the XUV 3XO which secured five stars for adult occupant protection and five stars for child occupant protection under Bharat NCAP.
Equipment varies considerably across the range. The MX Edge features a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto, wired Apple CarPlay, four speakers, cruise control, rear AC vents, rear-view camera, steering-mounted audio controls, Type-C charging and electrically adjustable ORVMs. The RevX Edge (O) gets a Skyroof, electrically folding ORVMs, automatic headlamps and wipers, push-button start, black leatherette upholstery, roof rails and a dual-tone exterior.
The AX5 steps up to twin 10.25-inch displays, six speakers, AdrenoX connectivity, built-in Alexa, online navigation, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, TPMS, a 65W Type-C charger, LED projector headlamps and 16-inch diamond-cut alloys. The RevX A tops the ZNG range at Rs. 12.27 lakh and gets a sunroof, Dolby Atmos audio, black leatherette seats, dual-tone paint and 16-inch black alloys. The RevX Edge (O) costs Rs. 10.79 lakh while the AX5 is priced at Rs. 11.19 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom).
