Mahindra has strengthened its position in India's SUV market with the introduction of the XUV 3XO ZNG, a CNG-powered version of its popular compact SUV. What makes this launch particularly interesting is its impressive safety performance. The SUV has secured a 5-star rating in the Bharat NCAP crash tests, making it an attractive option for buyers looking for a combination of fuel efficiency, performance and safety.

Launched at a starting ex-showroom price of ₹9.99 lakh, the Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG is claimed by the company to be India's first subcompact CNG SUV to achieve a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating.

The SUV has also received impressive scores in both adult and child occupant protection tests. Let's take a closer look at its safety ratings, engine performance, features and pricing.

1. Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG Scores 5 Stars in Bharat NCAP

Safety is one of the biggest highlights of the new XUV 3XO ZNG. In the Bharat NCAP crash assessment, the SUV scored:

• Adult Occupant Protection: 29.36 out of 32 points.

• Child Occupant Protection: 45 out of 49 points.

These results place the CNG-powered SUV among the highly rated vehicles in its category.

The adult occupant protection assessment included frontal and side-impact crash tests, while the child safety evaluation examined crash protection and child-seat installation.

2. Impressive Performance in Adult Occupant Safety Tests

During the frontal offset deformable barrier test, conducted at 64 kmph, the SUV scored 13.36 out of 16 points.

In the side deformable barrier test, conducted at 50 kmph, it achieved a full 16 out of 16 points.

The crash assessment indicated good protection for the driver's and front passenger's head and neck. However, the driver's lower legs received an adequate protection rating.

In the side-impact assessment, all evaluated body regions received good protection ratings.

Interestingly, the petrol-powered XUV 3XO had also scored 29.36 points in adult occupant protection in November 2024. The CNG version has therefore maintained the same adult safety score.

3. Child Safety Score Better Than the Petrol Version

Another major highlight is the XUV 3XO ZNG's performance in child occupant protection.

The CNG version scored 45 out of 49 points, compared with 43 points achieved by the petrol version.

Its performance included:

• 24 out of 24 points in the dynamic assessment.

• 12 out of 12 points in the child-seat installation assessment.

• Full protection scores for the dummies representing children aged 18 months and three years.

These results make the SUV an interesting option for families who prioritise child safety while purchasing a vehicle.

4. Turbocharged CNG Engine Offers Impressive Performance

Unlike many conventional CNG vehicles, the Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG uses a turbocharged petrol-CNG engine.

It is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine that produces 110 bhp and 200 Nm of torque.

Here are the key performance specifications:

According to Mahindra, the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 11.8 seconds while operating in CNG mode.

Its claimed fuel efficiency of 24.7 km/kg could also make it an appealing choice for buyers looking to manage their daily fuel expenses.

5. Special CNG Safety Features and Boot Space

Mahindra has incorporated several safety features into the XUV 3XO ZNG to make the CNG system more secure.

The SUV comes with more than 35 standard safety features, including:

• Six airbags.

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

• ISOFIX child-seat mounting points.

• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

• Automatic switching to petrol mode in the event of a detected gas leak.

Another interesting feature is the placement of its two CNG cylinders underneath the vehicle's floor.

This arrangement helps maintain a flat boot floor while offering approximately 270 litres of usable boot space.

6. Premium Features Make It More Attractive

Apart from safety and engine performance, the XUV 3XO ZNG also offers several modern features.

The top-spec RevX A variant includes:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

• Digital driver display.

• Dual-zone climate control.

• Wireless phone charging.

• Panoramic sunroof.

• LED headlamps.

• Rear parking sensors.

• Reverse parking camera.

• Rain-sensing wipers.

These features give the SUV a premium feel and make it suitable for buyers looking for modern technology alongside the benefits of CNG.

7. Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG Price and Variants

The new CNG SUV is available in four variants, with prices ranging from ₹9.99 lakh to ₹12.27 lakh (ex-showroom).

The different variants allow buyers to choose according to their budget and preferred features.

However, buyers should also consider insurance, registration charges and other on-road expenses before making a purchase decision.

Is the Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG Worth Considering?

With its 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, turbocharged CNG engine, claimed mileage of 24.7 km/kg and premium features, the Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG brings an interesting combination to India's compact SUV segment.

Its strong child occupant protection score and underbody CNG cylinder arrangement are additional highlights.

For buyers who want an SUV with the convenience of CNG without compromising on performance and modern features, the XUV 3XO ZNG could be worth considering. However, actual mileage, driving conditions, service costs and on-road pricing should also be evaluated before making the final decision.