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. 

• Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXI AT: Down on wow features to the Venue, but has a smoother gearbox, plusher ride, and more comfortable seats.
• Skoda Kylaq Signature+ AT: Again, not as well-equipped as the Venue, but it has a smoother gearbox and punchier engine. Space at the back is less, but it shouldn't be a deal breaker for you.
• Kia Sonet HTX Petrol DCT: It is due for replacement within a year, but it is very competent. Packs in plenty of tech and shares its engine and gearbox with the Venue, and is actually a better value for money. Space is less at the back, but it shouldn't be a deal breaker for you.
• Mahindra XUV 3XO REVX A: Stronger engine, lots of features, and feels tougher in its build. Boot space is less than the Hyundai car.

The Kia Carens Clavis is the ideal pick for your requirements. It's a well-packaged MPV that offers comfortable seating across all three rows. A one-touch operation for the middle row seat fold makes access to the last row easy. Also, there is ample movement built into the middle row to balance space for all passengers. 

The Clavis is also easy to drive and doesn't intimidate as some three-row SUVs can. From the Clavis line-up, the Turbo DCT HTX(O) is the one to buy.

Of the other three-row petrol-auto options, there's the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus, Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari.

Without knowing your specific requirements, it is hard to give a definitive pick. Broadly speaking, however, the Mahindra XUV7XO diesel AT is the more powerful and exciting choice. 

Its 2.2-litre diesel engine's 185hp and 450Nm are significantly higher than the Kia Seltos' 1.5-litre diesel's 115hp and 250Nm figures. The XUV 7XO diesel feels more effortless, especially on highway drives where the Seltos feels just adequate. 

Both models do use smooth torque converter automatic transmissions, but it's the Mahindra car that is more responsive and quicker to shift to. 

Since you are looking for an EV for city use, the Hyundai Creta Electric is a good choice. While it isn't as powerful as the Mahindra BE 6 or Tata Harrier EV, performance is brisk and more than adequate for city conditions. 

The same holds true for its battery as well, which is the smallest (LR versions get a 51.4kWh battery pack) but delivers a comfortable 400km of real-world range in city driving. 

What makes the Creta Electric likeable and ideal for city use is its size. A Harrier EV is a full-size vehicle, while the BE6 is significantly wider. It means both can feel a bit cumbersome in congested confines. What also goes in favour of the Creta is that the tech onboard works as it's supposed to - free of glitches and errors. 

Both the Tata Nexon and Mahindra 3XO are tough-feeling and robust compact SUVs, and both boast 5-star Global NCAP safety ratings. Both models also get branded audio systems, though it's advisable to test them out for your preferences. 

Of the two models, it's the Mahindra 3XO that's the more complete package. It's better finished, better equipped and more spacious than the Tata Nexon. What also tips the ratings in favour of the Mahindra is its punchier petrol engine and slicker gearboxes - both manual and automatic. 

Where the 3XO loses out is in luggage capacity, offering less room than you'd get in a Nexon.