Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Mahindra is set to expand its compact SUV line-up with the debut of the XUV 3XO CNG on October 15, 2026. Ahead of its unveiling, the upcoming variant has been spied with a twin-cylinder CNG setup, an arrangement aimed at minimising the impact on boot space. The addition of CNG will make the XUV 3XO available with petrol, diesel, electric and CNG powertrain options, broadening its appeal among buyers looking for lower running costs.
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The XUV 3XO has one of the smaller boots in the compact SUV segment, making cylinder packaging particularly important for the CNG version. A twin-cylinder arrangement will help Mahindra manage luggage space more effectively than a conventional single-cylinder setup, although the company has yet to confirm the final specifications or boot capacity.
Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG: Expected engine
The XUV 3XO CNG is expected to use the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with multi-point fuel injection (MPFi), rather than the more powerful direct-injection (DI) turbo-petrol unit. In its petrol configuration, the MPFi engine produces 109bhp, while the higher-specification DI version develops 129bhp. The CNG variant’s power and torque figures are yet to be announced.
The MPFi engine is likely to be better suited to CNG operation, as its fuel-injection system is comparatively simpler and less expensive to adapt. A CNG version of the direct-injection engine would involve greater technical complexity and cost.
Mahindra has not yet confirmed the CNG variant’s fuel efficiency, transmission options or availability across the range. A factory-fitted CNG system is expected, with further details likely to be revealed at the debut.
Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG: Expected features and design
The spied test vehicle was seen with dual-tone alloy wheels, hinting that Mahindra could offer the CNG powertrain on higher-specification variants as well. The SUV is not expected to receive major interior changes, with equipment likely to depend on the trim level.
Depending on the variant, the XUV 3XO CNG could retain features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and steering-mounted controls. A recent teaser also showed a body-coloured front grille, similar to the treatment seen on the RevX range, along with LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights and a panoramic sunroof.
Mahindra XUV 3XO: Existing powertrain options
The XUV 3XO currently offers petrol and diesel engines, while the XUV 3XO EV caters to buyers looking for an all-electric option. The internal-combustion range includes a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 109bhp and a more powerful 129bhp direct-injection version. A 1.5-litre diesel engine producing 115bhp is also available.
Transmission options across the existing range include six-speed manual, six-speed torque-converter automatic and six-speed AMT units, depending on the engine. The XUV 3XO EV, meanwhile, uses a 39.4kWh battery pack and delivers a claimed range of up to 285km. Its electric motor produces 150bhp and 310Nm of torque.
The introduction of CNG will give buyers another alternative, particularly those with high daily running who want to reduce fuel expenses without switching to an electric vehicle.
Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG: Expected price and launch details
Mahindra will debut the XUV 3XO CNG on October 15, 2026. Prices, variant-wise availability, fuel-efficiency figures, transmission options and the final boot-space specifications are expected to be announced around the launch.
The twin-cylinder setup could be a key differentiator for the new variant, given the XUV 3XO’s limited luggage capacity. Its overall appeal will depend on how effectively Mahindra balances running costs, performance, equipment and practicality, as well as how competitively the CNG version is priced against rival offerings such as the Tata Nexon CNG.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
