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THESE THREE ARE IN A STATE OF LUX, SO WHICH ONE DESERVES YOUR HARD-EARNED?

- DANIEL GARDNER

IT SEEMS only yesterday that Volvo's XC40 took out the title as the Wheels Car of the Year but, believe it or not, it's been four years, and a number of small SUVs have come to the premium-segment party since.

Despite the time, the smallest Volvo is still holding up well. The range is yet to get a significant update for the original variants, but a few interesting electrified versions have joined as Volvo promised at the start, and the model remains a strong contender in the field. But is it strong enough?

Last year, the third generation of BMW's X1 arrived with some serious technology to contend with, along with proportions that have grown up but engines that have downsized. The new version is quite a different proposition to previous generations and a better fit for today's landscape, says BMW.

Our third hopeful for premium small-SUV superiority comes from the storied Alfa Romeo stable. This is Alfa's first foray into the small SUV realm, but if it's to have a chance against some established heavy hitters it needs to play catch-up fast.

Not everyone has a budget of $50,000 to $60,000 to drop on a small SUV, but if you do, you'll find the little end of the spectrum packing some of the features that, until recently, were exclusively the preserve of the medium and large segments.

What you won't find in any of our trio, however, are all-wheel-drive systems, big-banger six-cylinder engines, or torque-rich diesels. This comparison is all about 48-volt mild-hybrid efficiency and making small, luxurious SUVs go further.

While all eyes are on the full-electric versions that have more recently joined the XC40 family, less attention has been on the more affordable end of the line-up. At the entry point you'll find the Plus B4 priced from $53,490.