Mahindra recently launched the XUV 3XO CNG, marketed as the XUV 3XO ZNG, at an attractive price. The CNG version starts at Rs. 9.99 lakh and goes up to Rs. 12.27 lakh, ex-showroom. This is the first Mahindra SUV to get a factory-fitted CNG system, and the brand has worked extensively on the project to deliver a well-rounded package. Mahindra has now released a new video featuring senior management explaining what makes the XUV 3XO ZNG special.
The video has been shared by Mahindra on the official XUV 3XO YouTube channel. It features Dr. R. Velusamy, President of Automotive Business at Mahindra & Mahindra, who discusses the technical aspects of the XUV 3XO ZNG.
Velusamy explains that words such as “thrilling”, “peppy” and “fun-to-drive” have rarely been associated with CNG cars. With the XUV 3XO ZNG, Mahindra aims to change this perception. While developing the model, the company’s priority was to integrate the economic benefits of CNG without compromising the sporty DNA of the XUV 3XO.
Customers buying a car in this segment often look for a commanding stance, attractive design, segment-first technology, a spacious cabin and peppy performance. However, choosing a CNG-powered car often means compromising on some of these aspects. Mahindra developed its ZNG technology to address these concerns.
The XUV 3XO ZNG can accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, a figure similar to that of the petrol-powered version. Its 1.2-litre turbo-petrol MPFI engine produces the same 111 PS and 200 Nm of torque as the regular petrol model. Mahindra is also offering a claimed first-in-segment 10-bar CNG direct-injection system designed to optimise combustion and improve fuel efficiency.
To deliver a seamless driving experience, Mahindra has tuned the ECU and powertrain to ensure consistent throttle response, whether the SUV is running on petrol or CNG. The boot also remains practically usable, as Mahindra has adopted a twin-cylinder setup instead of a conventional single-cylinder arrangement.
The video later features Pratap Bose, Chief Designer at Mahindra, who explains the story behind the ZNG name. Mahindra chose the ZNG moniker to appeal to young, new-age buyers. Pronounced “Zing”, the name is intended to embody the energy, punch and driving excitement associated with the XUV 3XO nameplate.
Typically, when a manufacturer introduces a factory-fitted CNG version of a petrol car, the focus is on maximising fuel efficiency. This often results in lower power and torque figures in CNG mode compared with petrol. However, Mahindra has taken a different approach with the XUV 3XO ZNG, aiming to offer the best of both worlds.
The SUV promises the same peppy driving experience as the regular petrol version, along with a usable boot and the features offered on the corresponding petrol variants, without compromising on fuel efficiency. The XUV 3XO ZNG has a claimed ARAI mileage of 24.7 km/kg, which is a respectable figure for an SUV in this segment.