Mahindra XUV700

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. 

For DPF regeneration, it's not the number of kilometres you drive in a month that matters, but the driving pattern. To avoid DPF issues, you need to be driving at steady speeds of 50-60kph for around half an hour for the DPF to ‘light off’ and burn the soot accumulated inside. 

Since your usage is 50 per cent on the highway, it is sufficient to clear your DPF, so you should not have any issue with DPF clogging. 

If you like power and performance, the best diesel for your budget is the Mahindra XUV700 2.2 diesel with a 6-speed AT. The XUV 700 lower MX variants will fit in your budget.

Also, you might want to wait for the Mahindra XUV 7X0, which will be launched in early January, which is essentially a refreshed version of the XUV700 and with the same 2.2 diesel. 

Also, the 10-year limit is only in the Delhi area and is likely to be relaxed for the latest BS6.2 cars