These are the premium-compact rivals the XC40 D4 AWD will have to beat

#1 AUDI Q3 2,0 TDI QUATTRO S TRONIC

Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cyl, turbodiesel Trans: 7-spd dual-clutch Price: R597 000 Power: 135 kw Torque: 380 N.m 0-100 km/h: 7,9 sec Top speed: 219 km/h Fuel cons: 6,4 L/100 km CO : 139 g/km 2

It’s been hugely successful, but in its twilight years the Q3’s appeal has started waning. Still, in terms of cabin fit and finish, and on-road manners, the XC40 will have a tough task on its hands beating this German.

#2 BMW X1 XDRIVE20D STEPTRONIC

Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cyl, turbodiesel Trans: 8-spd AT Price: R610 940 Power: 140 kw Torque: 400 N.m 0-100 km/h: 7,6 sec Top speed: 219 km/h Fuel cons: 5,9 L/100 km CO : 130 g/km 2

It has the best engine here – frugal and punchy – and the most practical cabin, but there are question marks surrounding the X1’s ride quality, the comfort of its seats and refinement at a cruise.

#3 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA220D 4MATIC 7G-DCT

Engine: 2,1-litre, 4-cyl, turbodiesel Trans: 7-spd dual-clutch Price: R593 640 Power: 130 kw Torque: 350 N.m 0-100 km/h: 8,7 sec Top speed: 218 km/h Fuel cons: 6,0 L/100 km CO : 130 g/km 2

Not the best premium compact SUV when it was launched, and certainly not now, the GLA is cramped and the ride is firm. However, it looks great and the 2,1-litre engine is impressively light on fuel.

#4 VW TIGUAN 2,0 TDI 4MOTION HIGHLINE DSG

Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cyl, turbodiesel Trans: 7-spd dual-clutch Price: R566 900 Power: 130 kw Torque: 380 N.m 0-100 km/h: 8,7 sec Top speed: 207 km/h Fuel cons: 7,7 L/100 km CO : 166 g/km 2

Spacious, refined, comfortable and well equipped, we’re big fans of the Tiguan, as evidenced by its Top 12 Best Buys trophy in this class. Lags behind the other in terms of performance and consumption, though.