Your observations are correct. Neither the Tata Sierra nor the Kia Seltos has been crash tested by Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP yet. But Tata Motors cars have had a good track record with these tests. While the Kia Seltos uses an all-new global platform that should be safer than the outgoing model.

Both SUVs feature the latest in active and passive safety features, which should be a reassurance, and thus, on the safety front, you won't be wrong to go with either. As for other factors, the Sierra is certainly the more spacious of the two and edges the Seltos out on comfort as well. 

However, in most other areas, it's the Seltos that comes out on top, including, as you have pointed out, after-sales experience. The Sierra is being produced at the ex-Ford plant in Sanand, Gujarat. It is said to have higher manufacturing standards, and the brand has been committed to improving its after-sales service across the country, but the results of that will take some time to show.

Both the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta are mechanically identical, so you can pick either one without any hesitation. That being said, Kia recently launched the new-gen Seltos, which has a more spacious cabin, more features and a comfier rear seat than the Creta. 

Both SUVs are powered by the punchy 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that's paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. 

Alternatively, if you love driving, the Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq might be worth considering. Both these SUVs come with a 150hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with a 7-speed DCT gearbox and offer better handling than the Kia and Hyundai cars.  

We would recommend a three-row vehicle, as there are very few cars in which the second row of seats folds flat or can be removed. Two cars in which you can remove the third row of seats to liberate a large flat area are the Renault Triber and the Citroen Aircross X. 

Both are great options that offer comfortable rides and great space efficiency. The Aircross X is larger, more powerful and from a segment above, but the Triber is more affordable. Also it has a lower boot lip height, which will make entry and exits easier for your dogs. 

All things considered, though, the best all-round option for you is the Kia Carens Clavis, though it is more expensive than the aforementioned two. Not only is it a much better-rounded vehicle with more powertrain options (including an EV), it's also the most practical. 

It has a flat folding third row, which on its own frees up lots of space. Moreover, if you need more still, the second row will fold near-flat in the 7-seat version. You should be able to fit a mattress for your dogs with a bit of folding.

The new Tata Sierra and new Kia Seltos are both excellent 5-seat SUVs packed with the latest features and tech. The Tata scores high on space and ride comfort, while the Seltos is big on quality and driving dynamics. 

However, at this price, you could get a 7-seater too. If you don't mind the MPV body style, the Kia Carens Clavis offers the most spacious and practical cabin and is available with several different engines and gearboxes. 

If you would like an SUV body style, consider the Hyundai Alcazar, though its third row and boot aren't quite as good as the Kia's. 

You could consider the Kia Seltos 1.5 NA Petrol IVT (or CVT). It features the same engine as you've experienced in the Creta. Moreover, the automatic transmission makes the driving experience far smoother, more seamless, and effort-free. 

The new Seltos is larger than the Hyundai Creta and much more modern in terms of its features and tech. The Kia Seltos HTX 1.5 Petrol IVT variant should easily fall within your budget.

The Tata Sierra is a very roomy and comfortable car and would suit your requirements of space and comfort well. However, within your budget, you would get the base version and the naturally aspirated 1.5 Litre engine. This variant is not very powerful, and the acceleration is very sluggish, something that would be a problem on your weekend trips. 

We would thus recommend you look at the Kia Syros; it is a smaller car on the outside, but you will find plenty of headroom as well as legroom inside. The engine delivers more than adequate performance, so weekend trips will be fine. Moreover, within your budget, you will get the top spec version. 

Therefore, you can enjoy all the features, including some unique ones like sliding, reclining and cooled rear seats. This will be handy for your wife if she is seated at the rear with your infant in a child seat. Moreover, Kia service centres are fairly well spread, and the quality of service is quite good.