Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 2.2 Diesel MT

If the driving experience is the top priority, the Skoda Kushaq will be the right pick for you. It's got punchy turbo-petrol engines, and handling is very enjoyable. The updated Kushaq launches next month and packs in a few more features, and also stronger air conditioning. While Skoda has not announced prices as yet, you should get a fully-loaded 1.0 TSI with a manual gearbox within your budget. 

Of the other options, the Honda Elevate is also worth considering. Engine performance and handling are good, but refinement isn't great for this segment. 

The Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 is great, but it might be too large for your requirements. Also, fuel economy is lower than the alternatives on your list. The Hyundai Creta is a practical pick, and the 1.5 petrol engine and manual gearbox are easygoing, but unexciting. 

If you want very good legroom that matches the Honda Ciaz and a smooth driving experience, the Mahindra XUV 7XO 2.2 diesel AT is a good choice. Mahindra has upgraded the rear suspension, and the ride quality and handling have improved significantly. 

Rear seat space is excellent, and luggage space is very good, especially with the third row folded down. The trade-off is that the 7XO is a big, heavy SUV. It doesn’t feel as nimble in city traffic and tight parking, and it isn’t very efficient compared to the other options.

If fuel efficiency is a higher priority for you, then the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara strong hybrid (or its mechanically similar cousin, the Victoris hybrid) will give you much better economy. It delivers smooth performance, easy city driving and the efficiency figures you’re aiming for. 

The Hyundai Creta diesel AT is also a solid, more efficient choice than the 7XO, with a comfortable ride and easy usability in town traffic.

After the Ciaz, you’ll likely feel most at home in the 7XO because of the space and comfort it offers. But if you prefer better efficiency and a slightly smaller, easier-to-live-with package, the Grand Vitara hybrid or the Creta diesel automatic are both good alternatives within your budget.

Of the two options on your shortlist, the Mahindra XEV 9S suits your requirements better. It's got a significantly better third row with more adjustability and space than you get on the XUV 7XO. Third row space and comfort will become more important as your kids grow. 

The fact that you can install a charger at home also eliminates a big hurdle to living with an EV. EVs typically don't hold their value as well as petrol or diesel cars, but you also have to factor in lower ownership and running costs over your usage. 

As for your concerns on the XUV 7XO, the petrol engine is tuned to run on ethanol blends and will not give issues. However, fuel economy is on the lower side. The diesel engine will not give issues provided care is taken as per the manufacturer's recommendations. 

The Tata Safari is a great choice for you. It is spacious, comfortable, and the petrol engine delivers quite well on performance. While we are yet to put it through our instrumented fuel efficiency testing, it is likely to be a bit more efficient than the Mahindra XUV7XO, which is tuned more for a very spirited and lively drive. 

The Tata Safari Adventure X+ variant also gets a long list of features. So you should be quite satisfied there, and the third row of seats is better than on the 7XO, should you need to use them. 

The best option for you would be the Mahindra XUV 7XO. It is spacious, comfortable, and has an excellent ride quality. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is punchy and fun to drive, and it is also quite refined. However, if you wish to clock in a lot more kilometres, there is a strong and refined diesel engine option too. 

Both engines offer very good performance, so if you are a keen driver, these will not disappoint you. The steering is light, but also changes character depending on the drive mode. Also, the new DCx dampers give it fantastic stability and bump absorption.  

The XUV 7XO is also available with a 5-star safety rating. Mahindra has updated the safety with newer ADAS tech that is a lot better than the segment competitors. 

Within your budget, you can get the AX7 L, which is the top-spec version with all the bells and whistles. 

Between the Tata Harrier and the Mahindra XUV 7XO, the XUV 7XO AX7 is the better choice for what you’re looking for. 

With the recent facelift, Mahindra has improved the 7XO incrementally across the board, making it a more compelling and well-rounded package. It is spacious, the interiors feel more premium than before, and unlike the Harrier, it even offers a third row which gives you flexibility if you ever need to carry more people. With the third row folded, the 7XO manages to offer a larger boot than the Harrier too. Performance is another key differentiator. The 7XO’s 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine with over 200 hp will feel like a big step ahead of the Harrier’s 1.5-litre turbo petrol as well.

As for the Skoda Slavia 1.5 turbo petrol, that’s also a very good buy, especially if you want a car that feels refined, composed and engaging to drive compared to your current Elite i20. However, since the Slavia facelift is expected soon, it makes sense to wait for that.