Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG review, first drive: Low bills, high thrills

If you want to buy a sub-4-metre SUV that will not burn a hole in your pocket in terms of running costs, there are several options to choose from. However, if you do not want to compromise on all fronts, your options are rather limited. And what exactly is that compromise? We will get to it in a bit. Now, Mahindra has launched the XUV 3XO ZNG, essentially the CNG version of the 3XO. So, let’s find out whether this SUV deserves a place on your shortlist.Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG: Exterior design At the front, there’s little to distinguish the 3XO CNG from its petrol-powered siblings, apart from the mandatory CNG sticker. In terms of exterior design, the XUV 3XO looks identical to its petrol-powered siblings. The top-of-the-line version is called the REVX A. Apart from the REVX A, the CNG version is available in the base MX Edge, REVX Edge (O) and AX5 trims.The REVX range was introduced not too long ago, and its design details carry over to the CNG version. At the front, the top-of-the-line REVX A gets a body-coloured grille with chrome slats. It also sports a dual-tone colour scheme. Move to the side, and the story remains the same. There are no visual cues to set the CNG version apart, and honestly, that's not a bad thing at all. We drove a red XUV 3XO CNG with a black roof. Moving to the sides, there are no changes to speak of, while the only distinguishing feature at the rear is the ZNG badge. Things change at the rear, where the ZNG badge gives away the fact that this is the CNG-powered XUV 3XO. When it comes to practicality, the boot space stands at 270 litres, with the SUV featuring twin-cylinder CNG tanks with a capacity of 60 litres. In comparison, the petrol-only version offers 364 litres of boot space. Boot space of the CNG 3XO is 270 litres. Essentially, you lose 94 litres of luggage capacity with the CNG version. However, in real-world usage, the XUV 3XO CNG can comfortably accommodate luggage for a weekend trip involving two to three people.Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG: Interior design and features Just like the exterior, the cabin remains unchanged, with nothing to distinguish the CNG version from the regular petrol-powered 3XO. The same philosophy continues inside the cabin, with the CNG version looking identical to the petrol-powered 3XO. The black-and-beige interior theme is dominated by a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch driver's display. Interestingly, the driver’s display also shows the CNG fuel efficiency, so you can keep track of how efficiently you’re driving. When it comes to everyday driving, the CNG version of the 3XO leaves little to be desired. You get a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, leatherette seats, a 65W fast charger, automatic headlamps and automatic wipers.Compared with the top-end petrol version of the SUV, the CNG 3XO primarily misses out on Level 2 ADAS and an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function. Apart from these omissions, the feature list remains largely intact, meaning you do not have to sacrifice much in the way of creature comforts to enjoy lower running costs.Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG: How is it to drive? The XUV 3XO CNG is unlike most CNG vehicles, delivering the same power and torque as its petrol counterparts, with virtually no compromise on performance. So far, the story has been that the CNG version is virtually identical to its petrol-powered counterpart, which is a good thing. You do not miss out on much in terms of features or styling. But this is where things start to get interesting.Traditionally, CNG versions of cars produce less power than their petrol counterparts. Mahindra, however, has decided to turn the tables. The company is not making any compromises on performance, which means the XUV 3XO CNG produces the same power and torque in CNG mode as it does when running on petrol. The turbocharger has been optimised specifically for the 3XO CNG. The XUV 3XO CNG is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged MPFi petrol engine that generates 114.5bhp and 200Nm of peak torque, available between 1,500rpm and 3,000rpm. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, just like the petrol version. In terms of power and torque, its CNG rivals do not even come close to matching what the 3XO brings to the table.In the real world, this translates into a CNG SUV with virtually no performance trade-offs. Off the line, it pulls cleanly, the mid-range is punchy, and there is more than enough power throughout the rev range for a vehicle running on CNG. At no point does it feel underpowered. There is plenty of grunt, whether you are navigating city traffic or need to make a quick overtake.You can start the XUV 3XO CNG directly in CNG mode and switch to petrol on the go. The transition is remarkably seamless, and even when you switch to petrol, you will barely notice a difference. Just as the specifications suggest, performance in CNG mode is on par with that in petrol mode. You can start the 3XO directly in CNG mode and switch between CNG and petrol on the go, with the transition being remarkably seamless. That said, it is not entirely smooth sailing. Some vibrations do creep into the cabin, particularly when you start the car. The gear lever vibrates noticeably at start-up, almost making you feel as though you are sitting inside a diesel vehicle rather than a petrol/CNG car. Once you get going, however, things feel much better.What is truly commendable is how far CNG technology has come. Mahindra has taken things a step further by ensuring that performance remains on a par with petrol. Perhaps this is what took the brand so long to introduce a CNG SUV, but good things come to those who wait. With a claimed efficiency of 24.70km/kg, the 3XO CNG is impressively frugal for an SUV this powerful. The only other niggles are the absence of a dead pedal and a slightly notchy gearbox, with some gear shifts failing to slot into place as smoothly as they should. Apart from these minor shortcomings, there is hardly anything to complain about. The claimed efficiency figure is 24.70km/kg, which is pretty respectable for a CNG vehicle which is this powerful.Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG: Ride and handling The suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and handling, soaking up bumps with ease while keeping body roll in check and the SUV composed through corners. The Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG gets a well-tuned suspension setup, with MacPherson struts at the front and a semi-independent twist-beam arrangement at the rear.The suspension strikes a good balance between ride comfort and handling, absorbing bumps and potholes with ease without feeling excessively soft or stiff. It remains composed over broken roads, while well-contained body roll lends the SUV a reassuring sense of stability through corners.Overall, the suspension setup does a commendable job of keeping things comfortable without taking away from the driving experience.Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG: Verdict Mahindra’s XUV 3XO CNG makes CNG cooler, delivering petrol-like performance with minimal compromises. Priced from Rs 9.99 lakh, it offers lower running costs without sacrificing everyday usability or features. With the XUV 3XO, Mahindra has made CNG a whole lot cooler. By delivering the same power and torque as the petrol version, the company has addressed one of the biggest compromises traditionally associated with CNG-powered cars.You do not have to give up much with the XUV 3XO CNG, whether it is styling, features or practicality. While the smaller boot is a compromise, the twin-cylinder setup ensures that you still have a usable amount of luggage space.If you are in the market for a compact SUV that offers lower running costs without skimping on performance or features, the Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG is well worth considering. With prices starting at Rs 9.99 lakh and going up to Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom), the 3XO makes a compelling case for itself. It brings together the best of both worlds: the promise of lower running costs and performance that does not leave you wanting more. Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine - Ends