Mahindra has launched the XUV 3XO with an innovative factory-fitted CNG kit, marking a significant step in its vehicle lineup. Unlike the KUV100 CNG, which primarily targeted fleet operators, the XUV 3XO CNG is tailored for individual consumers. This model is priced between Rs. 9.99 lakh and Rs. 12.27 lakh (ex-showroom) and is offered in four distinct variants. The CNG variant is generally priced about Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.2 lakh higher than its petrol counterparts, leading to interest in its fuel efficiency performance.
This vehicle is equipped with twin CNG tanks located beneath the boot floor, and it features an automatic stop-start capability, even when operating in CNG mode. According to ARAI, the XUV 3XO CNG boasts an efficiency rating of 24.7 km/kg.
Performance Metrics for the XUV 3XO CNG
The XUV 3XO CNG is powered by a multi-point fuel injection (MPFi) turbo-petrol engine, which utilizes a 10-bar CNG injection system. This configuration allows the vehicle to deliver a consistent output of 111 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque, regardless of whether it is running on petrol or CNG. The 60-litre twin-cylinder CNG setup has been designed to minimize the impact on boot space.
Real-world testing revealed that the XUV 3XO CNG achieved a mileage of 16.75 km/kg in urban conditions and 22.29 km/kg on the highway. This resulted in an overall fuel efficiency of 19.52 km/kg, which is commendably close to the ARAI’s claimed figure. The vehicle’s automatic stop-start feature plays a crucial role in enhancing efficiency during city driving, as it turns off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill until the driver engages the clutch.
Fuel Consumption and Driving Range
During highway travel, the XUV 3XO CNG maintained a cruising speed of 100 km/h with the engine operating at a moderate 2300 rpm, contributing positively to fuel efficiency. In terms of refueling, the tests indicated that 7.94 kg of CNG could be filled when the tank was empty, although this amount may fluctuate based on factors like pump pressure and ambient temperature. With an average efficiency of 19.52 km/kg, the expected range on a full tank of CNG is approximately 150-160 km.
In petrol mode, the vehicle yielded a fuel efficiency of 9.68 km/l in the city and 14.47 km/l on the highway, leading to an overall efficiency of 12.07 km/l. The 42-litre petrol tank offers a real-world range of around 500 km. When considering both fuel types, the total driving range can reach between 650-660 km.
Testing Methodology for Fuel Efficiency
Due to the inherent variability in filling CNG tanks—affected by factors such as temperature and pump pressure—the standard tankful-to-tankful approach was deemed unsuitable for this analysis. Instead, the testing involved depleting the CNG tank and refilling it with 2 kg of fuel. The vehicle was then driven under city conditions until the gas was consumed, and a similar procedure was followed for highway assessments.
Prior to the testing, tire pressures were adjusted to align with the manufacturer’s specifications. The vehicles were driven through fixed loops in and around Navi Mumbai, maintaining consistent average speeds. Each test involved a single occupant in the car, with the air conditioning set to a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius in full-auto mode, and other electrical systems used as would be typical for a daily driver. Periodic driver changes were implemented to mitigate differences in driving behavior, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Source: Autocar India
