Athleisure, done the Audi Q2 way.

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I like the Audi A3. It is a remarkably humble car, with a list of accolades that make it the top dog in its class. This sneaker-wearing premium hatch rides low. It bucks the high-heeled stiletto trend. So, why not offer both? Mercedes-Benz does – with their A-Class and six-inch heel-wearing GLA.

Enter Audi’s solution – the Q2. More outspoken than the demure A3, it also stands aside from the rest of the Q family being square and angular. This Q2 is both a functional vehicle with a sports coupe profile - it presents the best of both worlds.

Carrying all the same attributes as the A3 and more, the Q2 rides high on its highly accomplished foundations.

The Q2 is Audi’s entry-level into their work of SUV adventure, whatever that may be? Although it is an SUV, and a "Q" car, it is also a hybrid of a low-slung sports car with some off-road aspirations.

Interestingly, I ran a poll on Twitter. I asked the question - which one would you want: hatch, sedan, sports car or an SUV? The results, based on the small number of 22 votes, revealed that the sports car and SUV tied as the choice. Perhaps a reflection why automakers are producing cars like the X6, X4, GLE Coupe, GLC Coupe and the Range Rover Evoque.

The Q2 is joining the trend. Similar in size to the Q3, yet riding lower and planned with a coupe-like profile. Unique in its design and a sign of where Audi will be going in the future - angular and sharp in its design.

On the road, the Q2, based on the A3, which lives on the MQB platform, is light, crisp and taut. This platform is outstanding and hard to fault.

The interior is also borrowed from the A3 albeit it has been tweaked. It is pure Bauhaus chic in its simplicity. An optional feature, which enhances the Q2 premium modern feel is the Audi Virtual Cockpit - essentially an LCD screen that is a customisable playground. Monitor, view and control your Q2 your way with this brilliant system. Gone are dials, knobs and switchgear for a less-is-more approach that works well!

The Q2 compact proportions don't limit its ability to accommodate - there are comfortable accommodations for four, five less so, an easy to load boot with ample space and utility, and loads of usage storage compartments.

The Q2 is available with two petrol engines and a diesel unit. The pick of the bunch, the 1.4 TFSI, sits midway in the selection, 1.0 TFSI and the top of the range, 2.0 TDI diesel.

The 1.4 TFSI offers a perfect amount of power for easy city driving, highway commutes and robot sprints - for acceleration take-overs. This engine is both refined and frugal. A master in its design - being able to switch off two cylinders, when appropriate, to save fuel.

Audi makes beautiful gearboxes. They are light, direct and passively confident in their operation. This applies for both their manual and automatic, double-clutch, S tonic gearboxes. I live and drive predominately in the city, so, I'd personally choose the S tronic option. The 1.4 TFSI model feature a 7-speed version of the S tronic gearbox.

With the good must come the not so good. In the case of the Q2, the smudge of dirt on an otherwise great product is its price. In Britain, the Q2 retails for approximately £500 more than an equivalent A3. With current exchange rates, this is around R8500. Not bad for a premium high-heeled A3! In South Africa, things are a lot pricier. I'll give you an example: the A31.4 TFSI S tronic Sportback costs R438 000 vs. the Q2 1.4 TFSI Sport S tronic R529 500. There is R91 500 differential. More perplexing, the bigger Q3 1.4 TFSI S S tronic retails for less than the Q2, R483 500, although the Q2 is the Sport model and comes standard with extra gizmos. This dramatic price difference can only be explained by Audi South Africa.

In short, I like the premium Q2. In fact, it suited me, and I'd happily own one, but it is too expensive. I guess I’ll have to wait until there is a great used one available?