Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG (CNG) earns 5-star Bharat NCAP rating
By Arjun Ramanarayanan, IndiCar · Published 6 November 2026 · News
The Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG scored 29.36 out of 32 for adults and 45 out of 49 for children in Bharat NCAP, earning 5 stars. Prices start at Rs 9.99 lakh ex-showroom.
Key takeaways
- 5-star Bharat NCAP rating: 29.36/32 adult, 45/49 child
- Prices from Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 12.27 lakh ex-showroom
- 1.2-litre turbo-petrol with factory CNG, six-speed manual, 24.7 km/kg certified
- Six airbags, ESC and ISOFIX on every variant
- Mahindra said bookings would open October 20, 2026; deliveries reportedly under way
The Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG, the CNG version of the compact SUV, has a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. Mahindra calls it a first for an Indian sub-compact CNG SUV. It starts at Rs 9.99 lakh ex-showroom, and Mahindra said bookings would open on October 20, 2026.
The crash test scores
The ZNG scored 29.36 out of 32 in Adult Occupant Protection and 45 out of 49 in Child Occupant Protection. When Bharat NCAP first tested the XUV 3XO in November 2024, the turbo-petrol and diesel trims scored 29.36 out of 32 for adults and 43 out of 49 for children.
So the CNG version matches the adult score and has a higher child score than the earlier result, though the difference may reflect a different test or protocol. Every ZNG variant gets six airbags, Electronic Stability Control and ISOFIX child-seat mounts.
Engine and efficiency
The ZNG pairs a 1.2-litre MPFI turbo-petrol engine with a factory-fitted CNG system and a six-speed manual gearbox. Mahindra rates it at 82 kW and 200 Nm in both CNG and petrol modes. That output is also reported as 111hp.
- Certified efficiency: 24.7 km/kg
- Mahindra's claimed 0-60 km/h time in CNG mode: 4.9 seconds
- Mahindra's claimed 0-100 km/h time in CNG mode: 11.8 seconds
The ZNG is sold alongside the turbo-petrol, diesel and electric versions of the 3XO. It is Mahindra's first mainstream CNG passenger vehicle.
Prices and bookings
There are four versions, all with the CNG system and the manual gearbox. A new lower variant, the MX Edge, brings down the entry price of the CNG range. Ex-showroom prices:
| Version (by price) | Ex-showroom price |
|---|---|
| Lowest-priced | Rs 9.99 lakh |
| Second | Rs 10.79 lakh |
| Third | Rs 11.19 lakh |
| Highest-priced | Rs 12.27 lakh |
Mahindra launched the ZNG on October 15, 2026, and said bookings would open on October 20. It is reported that bookings have opened and deliveries have begun, with a token amount of Rs 21,000. These prices do not cover running costs, so weigh the 24.7 km/kg figure against your own driving when choosing between fuels.
Ex-showroom is not what you pay on the road. See the Mahindra XUV 3XO on-road price page, or work out the total with the on-road price calculator. IndiCar confirms stock and the delivery date before you book.
Sources: Mahindra launches XUV 3XO ZNG A whole lot of Zing. Unmistakably Mahindra DNA, Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG launched at Rs 9.99 lakh, Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG secures 5-star Bharat NCAP rating
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Frequently asked questions
What safety rating did the Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG get?
It received 5 stars from Bharat NCAP, with 29.36 out of 32 for adult protection and 45 out of 49 for child protection.
How do the CNG scores compare with the petrol and diesel 3XO?
In the November 2024 test, the turbo-petrol and diesel trims scored 29.36 out of 32 for adults and 43 out of 49 for children. The ZNG matches the adult score and scores 45 out of 49 for children, though the difference may reflect a different test or protocol.
What does the XUV 3XO ZNG cost?
Its four versions are priced at Rs 9.99 lakh, Rs 10.79 lakh, Rs 11.19 lakh and Rs 12.27 lakh ex-showroom.
What is the XUV 3XO ZNG's efficiency?
Its certified efficiency is 24.7 km/kg.
When did bookings open?
Mahindra said bookings would open on October 20, 2026. It is reported that bookings have opened and deliveries have begun, with a token amount of Rs 21,000.
Tags: mahindra, xuv 3xo, cng, bharat ncap, safety rating