The Mahindra XUV 7XO is a good option to consider. It is spacious, comfortable and has a smooth ride quality. The XUV 7XO comes with trick new 'Da Vinvi' dampers and hydraulic bump stops. This elevates its ride comfort above the older XUV700. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is refined and has a good amount of power at 203hp, and the 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox is smooth.

The XUV 7XO is well equipped with safety features like multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, Level 2 ADAS features and more. The top-spec AX7 Luxury variant also gets features like a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, three 12.3-inch touchscreens, connected car tech, ventilated front and middle row of seats and much more. 

Although the Mahindra XUV 7XO is yet to receive a safety rating. But the older XUV700 had received 5 stars in the Global NCAP crash tests back in 2021, which bodes well for the XUV 7XO too.

Unfortunately, there are no sedans in the Rs. 30 lakh range. So, you will have to settle for an SUV, which has some good options. 

The SUV that will suit you best is the new Mahindra XUV 7XO, which is the facelift of the XUV700. 

It features new enhancements, including a three-screen display and a suspension that has significantly improved the car's driving dynamics. You can opt for the petrol automatic, which comes with a powerful 2.0-litre engine. It makes both city and highway driving easy, but it is quite heavy on fuel.

 However, given your limited running of around 12,000km a year, it won’t make a major dent in your pocket.
 

You're right to say the Kia Carens Clavis is better as a 6/7 seater and as a city car, thanks to its more space-efficient shape yet smaller dimensions. Spec for spec, the HTK (O) plus is probably better equipped than the Mahindra XUV700 AX5, too. 

However, if the Mahindra XUV700 was already your wishlist car and you're getting it at the price you want, you should go for it. It definitely has more road presence, a more powerful engine and comes with the peace of mind of a 5-star NCAP rating. 

Its third row is not amazing, but if your family usage is limited, a little shuffling might be worth everything else it offers. 

A very Happy New Year to you too! 

Both the Tata and Mahindra cars are excellent choices, but of the two, we'd recommend waiting for the Mahindra XUV 7XO, whose launch is right around the corner. It will have a more modern interior and likely more features too, and going by its predecessor, the XUV 700. 

It will also have the more refined diesel engine and slicker manual gearbox. We will say the Tata Safari has the edge on space, especially in the third row, and its ride quality is slightly more comfortable. Plus, there will likely be a long waiting period for the Mahindra XUV 7XO once it is launched. 

So, if you are in a hurry, the Tata might be easier to get sooner. But in most other areas, the Mahindra comes out on top. Another consideration, especially for your elderly family members, is that ingress and egress to the cabin are slightly easier in the Mahindra than the Tata. 

Given your requirements, you should check the Tata Harrier and the upcoming Mahindra XUV 7XO.

The Tata Harrier is large and spacious, with ample room for front and rear passengers as well as a sizeable boot. The Harrier also feels tough and delivers on ride comfort. Within the Harrier line-up, the new petrol versions (prices of which will be announced soon) are the ones we'd recommend for you. 

The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is smooth and delivers ample performance. Gearshifts on the 6-speed automatic transmission are also very nice. The Harrier petrol, however, isn't as quiet as we'd hoped. You can hear the engine - it's not loud but remains audible. 

Mahindra's upcoming XUV 7XO is essentially an updated version of the current XUV 700. Space is aplenty in the first two rows, and folding down the third row also frees up lots of luggage room. The XUV 7XO will use the same engines as the XUV 700, which means your options include a 200hp, 2-litre turbo-petrol and a 185hp, 2.2-litre turbo-diesel. 

The petrol engine is particularly exciting, delivering brisk performance (though fuel economy is poor). On the other hand, the diesel engine feels strong and is also refined as diesel engines go. Opt for the automatic transmission versions for the best experience.