Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG – premium hot hatches just got hotter

Dave Humphreys

Following the unveiling of Audi’s new S3, Mercedes-Benz have hot back with an AMG version of their new A Class – the A45 AMG. The front-engined AMG will be powered by a 360 bhp 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder engine generating a hefty 450 Nm of torque. Put another way, it equates to 180bhp per litre! It would seem the boffins in AMG aren’t just good with the bigger engines.

Channelling all that power onto the tarmac is a performance-orientated AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. This will enable the A 45 AMG to do away with the zero to 100 km/h dash in just 4.6 seconds before propelling itself onwards to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Despite all of this performance AMG claim that the A 45 AMG is capable of returning fuel consumption figures of just 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres. Although with emissions of 165 g/km will place it in tax band D (€570).

The A 45 AMG’s gearbox is a 7-speed affair with a dual clutch transmission. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT is mounted directly to the transversely installed engine. Three driving modes will also be available on the baby AMG including a double-declutching function and RACE START to allow for optimum acceleration. Another special feature designed to enhance dynamic performance and driving enjoyment is so-called “Momentary M mode”. In C and S mode, this enables the driver to activate manual mode (“M”) without having to remove a hand from the steering wheel, by pressing the “up” or “down” shift paddle once.

On the electrical side of things is a 3-stage ESP & ESP Curve Dynamic® system to help keep things in check. The ESP can be changed into a ‘Sport Handling’ mode which sends more power to the rear axle. The ESP can also be switched off entirely.

“The A 45 AMG will enable Mercedes-AMG to appeal to new customers and tap new markets,” observes Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. We are adding an extremely attractive model with exceptional performance data to our range of unique high-performance automobiles.”

“With the new A 45 AMG we have well and truly achieved our aim of developing the most dynamic, powerful and efficient four-cylinder series production car,” comments Tobias Moers, Head of Overall Vehicle Development and Board Member of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.With its impressive high-tech package and the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the A 45 AMG is a thoroughbred AMG through and through.”

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