The new-Class is a far cry from the earlier version, even at the bottom of the range. As to the A45 AMG, those of a nervous disposition should look away
THE order books have opened for the Mercedes A 45 AMG, the hottest version of the latest third-generation A-Class launched last year.
The company reckons it’s good for a 4.6second sprint from rest to 62mph – which certainly looks plausible, given the 360 horsepower output of its four-cylinder turbocharged engine.
Prices will start at £37,845, which looks a bit steep compared with this car’s most obvious rival, BMW’s M 135i, which follows a more traditional recipe for a sporty drive by pairing a straight-six petrol engine with rear-wheel drive.
The Mercedes A 45 AMG, though, gets an advanced four-wheel drive system and a seven-speed dual-clutch AMG transmission.
Considering the performance on offer, Mercedes’ new arrival does very well to achieve a combined fuel consumption of 40.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 161g/km.
Externally, the A 45 AMG gets a new AMG grille and frontal treatment, gloss black sill extensions and special eighteen-inch alloy wheels – although other wheel choices are also available, including nineteen-inchers. Dampers, springs and brakes are all upgraded.
The cabin gets the full AMG treatment – that means special AMG Performance seats with red stitching and red nappa leather, a sports steering wheel in nappa leather with red stitching, and red seats belts.
DAB digital radio is also standard.