Key highlights
- Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG spied undisguised
- India launch on October 15
- Likely to feature a 1.2-litre turbo petrol-CNG engine
Mahindra’s next big launch is going to be its first-ever CNG car, which is the XUV 3XO. The new XUV 3XO is scheduled to debut on October 15, and a recent spy image has revealed the rear of an undisguised, production-ready CNG unit.
Turbo petrol CNG engine to be offered
Speaking of the most important change, the XUV 3XO is likely to get powered by the MPFI 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo engine. This engine is offered on the lower trims of the standard model, and it is most suitable for a CNG conversion. The reason is its simple and reliable built. An MPFI engine directly injects the CNG fuel through the manifold, which makes it simple and reliable to run.
However, it will be interesting to see whether Mahindra will offer an automatic gearbox for the CNG XUV 3XO or not. The petrol version gets a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox options. If Mahindra offers an automatic gearbox with the CNG on the XUV 3XO, it will be an instant hit as not other car in the segment offers this technology.
Boot space issue to persist
Currently, the XUV 3XO’s biggest downside is its smallest boot in the segment. With a CNG powertrain, if Mahindra fixes the CNG cylinder in the boot, the XUV 3XO will become impractical, especially against the Tata Nexon CNG, which offers an underbody CNG tank.
The spy shot also reveals that the car could get a CNG fuel tank placed inside the boot as there are no visible hints like an underbody spare wheel, which indicate that the CNG tank will be placed underbody.
Launch price to decide the fate
The XUV 3XO will become the third CNG car in the compact SUV segment in India after the launch on October 15. Mahindra is known to aggressively price its cars, and we expect that it will be offered somewhere around Rs 10-13 lakh price. However, the boot space utility and mileage will become the decisive factors for buyers.
Also read: 2026 Toyota Glanza facelift teased, launch on October 14
