BUYERS are spoilt for choice as the premium end of the SUV market ups the ante.

By targeting the compact segment of the market, prestige car-makers can offer status badges on quality products at an affordable price.

Audi is one of many to follow the trend, retuning its three-year old baby Q3 SUV line in 2015 with better value and pricing that starts at $42,900 plus on-road costs.

But it’s a competitive corner of the market with more recent entrants such as Mercedes-Benz’s GLA and the Lexus NX200t luring buyers away from the top-spec offerings from volume manufacturers including Mazda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Subaru.

Is the Audi worth the extra and would buyers prefer a prestigious badge or a more comprehensively-equipped volume brand in their driveway?

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