The Mahindra XUV 3XO has been spied with a dual-cylinder tank setup, an arrangement that is aimed to take up less boot space; 3XO has the smallest boot in the compact SUV segment. This sighting comes a day ahead of the SUV's launch tomorrow. CNG will be the fourth powertrain option, alongside petrol, diesel and electric, giving Mahindra's most affordable SUV one of the widest powertrain line-ups in the segment, along with the Tata Nexon.
Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG spy shot details
Between the 1.2-litre MPFI (multi-point fuel injection) turbo-petrol and 1.2-litre direct-injection (DI) turbo-petrol engine options of the 3XO, a CNG kit is likely to be offered with the former, and exact specifications are yet to be disclosed. MPFI engines are relatively cheaper to manufacture and simpler to adapt for CNG, since fuel is injected into the intake manifold. Doing the same with a DI engine is more complex and expensive.
Interestingly, the spied vehicle had dual-tone alloy wheels, suggesting that Mahindra may offer the CNG option even in the higher trims. Its interior is unlikely to receive any changes, and depending on the trim, features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, steering-mounted controls and more could be on offer.
A recent teaser of the 3XO CNG featured a body coloured front grille, something that is offered in the RevX range, and LED DRLs, LED headlights and a panoramic sunroof.
Scope of CNG in compact SUV segment
CNG has become increasingly popular in India. A CNG option could help boost the XUV 3XO's sales, and also help the carmaker meet the stricter CAFE III norms that come into effect in April 2027. This is especially important because a large part of Mahindra's sales comes from diesel models. Along with EVs, CNG models will be key to balancing the CO2 emissions from its diesel range. In the past, Mahindra has offered this fuel option on some of its commercial pickup range, as well as via conversion kits for the erstwhile Logan and Verito.
In addition to the Nexon, the XUV 3XO CNG will face competition from models like the Maruti Brezza and the Fronx. We expect the CNG version to command a premium of about Rs 1 lakh over the equivalent petrol trim.