Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG vs Rivals: Brezza S-CNG and Nexon iCNG Compared

Mahindra recently launched the CNG version of the XUV 3XO, dubbed the ZNG, starting at Rs 9.99 lakh. This expands the SUV’s powertrain lineup alongside existing petrol, diesel, and EV options. With CNG variants estimated to make up around 25% of overall sales in the sub-4-meter SUV segment, we pit the new Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG against its key rivals: the Maruti Brezza S-CNG and Tata Nexon iCNG.

Under the hood, the Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG runs on a 1.2-litre turbo petrol MPFI engine pushing out 114.5 PS and 200 Nm of peak torque. Utilizing a 10-bar injector pressure system instead of the standard 5-6 bar pressure, it maintains performance levels close to the pure petrol variant, giving it the highest output figures in its class. In comparison, the Maruti Brezza S-CNG uses a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine making 88 PS and 121.5 Nm, while the Tata Nexon iCNG features a 1.2-litre turbo engine churning out 100 PS and 170 Nm.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Maruti Brezza S-CNG takes the lead with 26.90 km/kg. The XUV 3XO ZNG follows closely as the second best at 24.70 km/kg, while the Nexon iCNG delivers 24 km/kg. To maximize cargo capacity, all three models feature clever packaging solutions.

The XUV 3XO ZNG and Nexon iCNG rely on a twin-cylinder setup (30+30 litres), whereas the Brezza S-CNG uses a single underbody CNG tank and replaces the spare tyre with a tyre repair kit. Resulting boot capacities stand at 328 litres for the Brezza CNG (which features an underbody-mounted spare wheel layout or rather no spare wheel, offering the best space), 321 litres for the Nexon iCNG, and 270 litres for the XUV 3XO ZNG. Both the Nexon and Mahindra retain an underbody-mounted spare wheel.

Looking at pricing, the base Nexon iCNG Smart is the most affordable at Rs 8.30 lakh, followed by the Brezza S-CNG LXi at Rs 9.35 lakh, and the Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG base variant MX Edge at Rs 9.99 lakh. In the mid-tier segment, the Nexon iCNG Pure+ starts at Rs 10 lakh and the Pure+ PS at Rs 10.62 lakh, the XUV 3XO ZNG AX5 sits at Rs 11.19 lakh, and the Maruti Brezza S-CNG ZXi tops the mid-tier bracket at Rs 11.50 lakh. Among top-spec trims, the XUV 3XO ZNG REVX A is priced at Rs 12.27 lakh, while the Nexon iCNG Fearless+ PS reaches Rs 13.42 lakh.