Mahindra is best known for big, brawny SUVs with plenty of attitude and capability. CNG isn’t something you would usually associate with the brand. That changes with the XUV3XO ZNG, pronounced ‘Zing’, which marks Mahindra’s entry into India’s CNG passenger vehicle market.
The name might raise an eyebrow, but what matters is how it drives. Prices for the XUV3XO ZNG start at Rs 9.99 lakh, with four trims on offer. The range-topping REVX A ZNG costs Rs 12.27 lakh (ex-showroom), and that’s the variant we drove through Mumbai’s busy Thursday traffic. Here’s how it fared.
Mahindra XUV3XO ZNG Review
In terms of design, there’s nothing new with XUV3XO ZNG, except for the ZNG badge on the tailgate. ZNG variants look otherwise identical to their petrol-only counterparts. Even on the inside, the REVX A ZNG MT variant is identical to petrol-only REVZ A trim with pano sunroof, TFT cluster, infotainment screen, dual-zone AC, wireless charger, leatherette upholstery and other features.
Boot space can be a deal-breaker for CNG buyers, and this is where the XUV3XO ZNG makes a strong case for itself. Mahindra’s dual-cylinder setup helps preserve usable luggage space, even though boot capacity drops to around 270 litres on paper. In practice, we could fit two cabin suitcases with room left for a couple of backpacks and smaller items.
Rear seat is 60:40 split and one can expand the boot capacity accordingly. After the twin-cylinder CNG layout and the usable boot, Mahindra has ticked another checkbox with XUV3XO ZNG and that is the spare wheel, which is repositioned below the boot floor now. Spare wheel in a CNG vehicle is always appreciated, something only Tata Nexon i-CNG used to offer, while Maruti Brezza S-CNG does not.
New ZNG Powertrain, Mileage
In the cluster, Mahindra has introduced some changes to accommodate CNG fuel level along with CNG trip computers for mileage and ETA data. If you were wondering whether the Mahindra XUV3XO ZNG has CNG start like Tata vehicles, that is not the case. This CNG powertrain in XUV3XO ZNG starts with Petrol fuel and it switches to CNG mode automatically.
Speaking of XUV3XO ZNG engine, it is the same 1.2L 3-cylinder Turbo Petrol MPFI engine as petrol-only counterpart. However, in XUV3XO ZNG, this engine has been introduced with a 10 bar pressure CNG injection system, which is the segment’s highest, while rivals top out at 5 bar or 6 bar CNG injection pressure.
This is the reason why Mahindra is quoting the same performance metrics with ZNG, as its Petrol-only counterpart – 114 PS of peak power and 200 Nm of peak torque. There is only one gearbox option with XUV3XO ZNG, which is a 6-speed Manual unit. Where mileage is concerned, Mahindra is promising 24.7 km/kg with XUV3XO ZNG, which is not segment leading, but is alright. We wished there was an auto gearbox option with XUV3XO ZNG.
Drive & Dynamics
With CNG variants, weight is substantially higher as they have to accommodate all the extra equipment to store and combust CNG and XUV3XO ZNG is no different. To counter this weight, Mahindra has re-tuned the rear suspension of XUV3XO ZNG and it reminds us of the way XUV3XO Diesel rides. All the familiar strengths of XUV3XO are carried forward with XUV3XO ZNG. Achieving similar ride and handling balance in CNG versions is commendable.
In terms of performance, XUV3XO ZNG feels similar to the Petrol-only MPFI engine and Mahindra even promises similar 0-100 km/h acceleration, which is just under 12 seconds. There is some springy nature to the clutch pedal, but it is not heavy to operate. Braking performance do not seem to have been affected with the added weight of CNG equipment and feels just as confident as petrol-only counterpart.
Should You Buy One?
This is the first time Mahindra has entered India’s CNG race after the discontinuation of KUV100 Trip. We appreciate Mahindra’s efforts to make CNG feel just as performant as its Petrol-only counterpart, which rivals are not capable of. Except for the automatic gearbox option with CNG powertrain, we think Mahindra has ticked all the right boxes with XUV3XO ZNG and it should be high up in your wishlist if you’re looking for a safe, performant, feature-loaded, spacious and versatile CNG SUV.
