The Mahindra XUV 7XO is a well-rounded product, and the AX7 T is the variant to choose as it offers all the premium features you would expect at this price point. You get a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, ventilated front seats, Level 2 ADAS, an electronic parking brake and much more.

As for whether you should opt for AWD, it really depends on your usage. If you live in the hills or regularly drive on challenging and slippery terrain, the AWD version can make sense. For most driving conditions, however, the Front Wheel Drive version will do just fine.

If your idea is to get into serious off-roading, the 7XO is not the best choice, even with AWD. For that kind of usage, the Mahindra Scorpio N or the Mahindra Thar Roxx, with higher ground clearance and a low-range gearbox, will be far more capable.

Mahindra XEV 9S Pack Two above 70 kWh, battery pack can be a good option for you. It is a spacious and practical EV, and if you don’t plan to use the third row, you benefit from a larger boot as well. 

Mahindra has spread the features well across the range, so even the lower variants feel adequately equipped. The car supports fast charging, which helps reduce charging time on highway runs. 

While the claimed range is 600km, the real-world range will be lower, but it should still be good for your kind of highway usage.

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. 

Yes, the Mahindra Thar Roxx has an iconic shape that resembles the Jeep Wrangler and has a lot of appeal. If mileage is not an issue, then go for the 2-litre petrol automatic, which is smooth, responsive and has a good pick-up. 

You don’t need a 4x4 for the city, and hence the rear-wheel-drive MX3 variant will suit you best.
 

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.