Apart from expanding the fuel options for buyers, the XUV3XO CNG will also help the brand comply with the stringent CAFE 3 norms.
In India, factory-fitted CNG offerings are dominated by brands like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Hyundai. Other carmakers like Nissan, Renault and Skoda are also working on factory-fitted CNG versions of select models. Mahindra is also planning to enter the segment with a CNG version of the XUV 3XO. Let’s see the details.
Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG – What to Expect?
The XUV 3XO is currently available with petrol and diesel powertrain options. Mahindra also offers its most affordable electric car, the XUV3XO EV. The CNG version of the XUV 3XO is expected to be powered by a 1.2-litre mStallion Turbo Charged Multipoint Fuel Injection (TCMPFi) engine. When running on petrol, this engine generates 112 PS and 200 Nm torque. Transmission options include 6-speed MT and 6-speed AT.
It is likely that the CNG version of the XUV 3XO will be offered only with a manual transmission. Mahindra also offers this 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with a different fuel injection system, Turbo Charged Intercooled Gasoline Direct Injection (TGDi). In this configuration, the engine produces 130 PS and 230 Nm of torque. Transmission options are 6MT and 6AT.
CNG is easy to integrate with MPFI engines, as CNG is mixed with air before entering the combustion chamber. In comparison, an engine with direct injection would require gas to be supplied directly to the combustion chamber at higher pressure. It is far more complex, expensive and technically challenging. This is likely to require changes to the injection system, ECU tuning and other related hardware.
Another important detail that is yet to be revealed is the type of CNG tank setup used in the XUV 3XO. To avoid compromising on boot space, many CNG cars have shifted from a larger tank to a dual-cylinder setup. Underbody CNG setup is also being used with select models. Given that rivals like the Tata Nexon and the upcoming Brezza facelift have used the innovative CNG installation, a similar approach is expected with the CNG version of the XUV3 XO.
XUV 3XO CNG – Launch, Price
Mahindra may launch XUV 3XO CNG late this year or early next year. Prices are expected to be in line with rival offerings. For reference, the Tata Nexon CNG is available at a starting price of Rs 9.15 lakh. It uses a 1.2-litre turbocharged Revotron engine, which produces 100 PS and 170 Nm in CNG mode. Nexon CNG is India’s first CNG model to use a turbocharged engine.
Another rival is the Maruti Brezza CNG, which uses a 1.5-litre engine. Output is 100.6 PS and 121.5 Nm when running on CNG. Brezza CNG is offered with a 5-speed manual transmission. The CNG option is available with the LXi, VXi and ZXi trims of the Brezza. Prices range between Rs 9.17 lakh to Rs 11.46 lakh.
In the sub-4-metre SUV segment, models like Renault Kiger, Triber and Skoda Kailash are expected to get factory-fitted CNG option soon. There is significant potential for CNG cars, as their market share is more than 20%. With the CNG option, the XUV3XO has good potential to increase its market share.
