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.

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. 

The Tata Sierra diesel is the most popular variant right now and accounts for 50 percent of the bookings. If you follow basic DPF regeneration protocols like a 25-30min long drive at a steady speed of 50-60kph every month or so, you shouldn’t have DPF problems. 

Also, unlike the Kia 1.5 diesel, the Tata 1.5 diesel in the new Sierra is not known to have major issues with DPF clogging. So go ahead and buy the Sierra diesel. 
 

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.        

All three cars are good choices. The new Mahindra XUV 7XO is feature-packed and very spacious, with the advantage of a third row of seats. However, for city use, it's not as compact or manoeuvrable as the Kia Seltos or Tata Sierra. 

Between the Seltos and Sierra, the Seltos with the 1.5 CVT is ideal for the city, offering a smooth, responsive drive, especially when crawling through the traffic jams Gurugram is known for. 
 

The Skoda Kushaq is a competent mid-sized SUV that stands out for its driving experience. Its 1.0 and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines deliver punchy performance, and handling is also slick and fun. The Kushaq also feels tough in its build and comes with the reassurance of strong safety ratings. On the flip side, the Kushaq feels smaller than many like-priced rivals and isn't ideal as a five-seater. 

Skoda will introduce an updated version of the Kushaq later this month. We expect the model to get a few styling revisions outside and more features, too. It might include a panoramic sunroof and a segment-first rear seat massage function. 

The updated Kushaq will also get an uprated air conditioner that will provide stronger cooling, which has been one of the model's weaknesses since launch. While the engine options will continue as is, the smaller engine's 6-speed automatic transmission is expected to make way for a more efficient 8-speed unit. 

To sum up, the Kushaq should be on your list if a fun drive experience is a priority. If space, comfort and features are important, consider the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and Tata Sierra.