Mahindra to introduce XUV 3XO CNG on October 15

Mahindra is set to expand the powertrain portfolio of its popular compact SUV, the XUV 3XO, with the introduction of a CNG variant on October 15. The new version will add a fourth powertrain option to the XUV 3XO range, alongside petrol, diesel and electric versions.With the addition of CNG, the XUV 3XO will join the Tata Nexon and Kia Carens Clavis as one of the few models in India to offer petrol, diesel, CNG and electric powertrains, giving buyers a wider choice of fuel options within a single model lineup.Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG: What to expect?The XUV 3XO CNG is expected to use Mahindra’s 1.2-litre turbocharged MPFi petrol engine. In its petrol configuration, this engine produces around 112bhp and 200Nm. As is typically the case with CNG-powered vehicles, power and torque figures could be slightly lower when running on CNG.The simpler MPFi setup is also better suited to CNG conversion than the more powerful 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with direct injection. The latter is therefore unlikely to be offered with the CNG powertrain, given the additional complexity and cost involved in adapting a direct-injection engine for gas operation. Mahindra is expected to offer a factory-fitted CNG system, although details of the CNG tank capacity, performance, fuel efficiency and gearbox options will be revealed closer to the debut.Boot space could be a key talking pointOne of the biggest questions surrounding the XUV 3XO CNG will be how Mahindra packages the CNG tank. The XUV 3XO already has a relatively small boot compared with some of its rivals, and the addition of a CNG cylinder could further compromise luggage space. Mahindra could potentially explore a dual-cylinder setup, similar to the approach adopted by Tata on some of its CNG models, or find an alternative underfloor packaging solution. The final arrangement will become clearer when the SUV is unveiled.Four powertrains for the XUV 3XOThe CNG version will complement the existing petrol, diesel and electric powertrains offered with the XUV 3XO.In terms of ICE, the Mahindra XUV 3XO comes with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 109bhp, available with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. The SUV also gets a 1.5-litre diesel engine producing 115bhp, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT.At the top of the petrol range is a 129bhp 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, available with both 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmissions.The XUV 3XO EV, introduced earlier this year, gets a 39.4kWh battery pack and claims a range of up to 285km. Its electric motor produces 150bhp and 310Nm, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100kmph in a claimed 8.3 seconds.CNG could strengthen the XUV 3XO's appealThe addition of CNG is expected to make the XUV 3XO more attractive to buyers looking for lower running costs without moving to an electric vehicle. It could also help Mahindra meet increasingly stringent fuel-efficiency and emissions requirements, including the upcoming CAFE 3 regulations.With CNG already accounting for a significant share of India's passenger vehicle market, the new variant could give the XUV 3XO another avenue for growth. More details, including specifications, variant availability, pricing and the final CNG packaging, are expected to be announced around the October 15 debut.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine - Ends