Luxury compact SUV review - We compare the Mazda CX-30 G25 Astina, Audi Q3 35 TFSI & Volvo XC40 T4 Momentum

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Mazda Australia is pushing upmarket with the new CX-30 model, which we’ve got here in top spec G25 Astina trim. And up against it? The all-new Audi Q3 35 TFSi - its first appearance in a CarsGuide comparison test - and our reigning pint-size premium SUV champion, the Volvo XC40, which we’ve got in entry-level Momentum spec.

All three of these models have a starting list price tag in the $40,000 range, and they are all petrol powered, automatic, and two-wheel drive. 

Both the Audi and Volvo have a bunch of optional extras fitted that nudge their prices considerably, but the Mazda is almost box-fresh. However, we’re aiming to assess these models not so much on the glittery added bits, but the way they perform in other ways. We’ll assess each of these models against a range of criteria to help you decide which deserves to be on your shopping list. Let’s get to it.