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. 

We think you can wait for the Mahindra XUV7XO launch. Since this is a facelift and not an all-new model, some of the initial issues that customers often face with fresh launches may not be present. 
Tata Harrier has some ergonomic concerns, and with your height, you may find it difficult to settle into a comfortable driving position on long journeys. If teething issues with the XUV7XO facelift are a concern, the Mahindra Scorpio-N is a sensible alternative to consider.
 

If you’re choosing between the two, the Tata Sierra comes across as the better overall package. 

It’s built at Tata’s newest facility, and that shows - the quality, fit, and finish are a big step up from anything the brand has done before. The cabin feels nicely put together, and the petrol motor is smooth yet punchy. Moreover, the car strikes an outstanding balance between ride comfort and handling.

The Tata Harrier, on the other hand, is larger and offers a bit more space inside. But the Sierra still has more than enough room for daily city runs. Also, it’s a little smaller, and it’s actually easier to manage on Bengaluru’s packed roads and tight parking spots.
 

The launch of the petrol versions of the Tata Harrier and Tata Safari will happen this December for sure. 

We will also be driving both Harrier and Safari this month, and our full review will be out on our website and YouTube channel towards the 3rd week of this month, so do look out for that.