We take the Mercedes-AMG A45 S – probably the most highly effective scorching hatch available on the market – for a spin…
It could possibly be argued that the idea of the ‘scorching hatch’ – within the conventional sense – is now in its dying days.
In any case, we reside in an period the place a household EV is commonly faster off the mark than many a efficiency ICE (Inside Combustion Engine) automotive.
There are just a few real ‘scorching’ hatches left, together with the Audi RS3, Volkswagen Golf R, Honda Civic Sort R and the Mercedes-AMG A45 S – the topic of this week’s highway check.
Simply to recap, the fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback was launched in 2018 and facelifted on the finish of 2022.
Topping the vary are a pair of efficiency fashions (the Mercedes-AMG A 35 and the even-faster Mercedes-AMG A forty five S), which have now additionally acquired a makeover.
The A forty five S is probably the most highly effective scorching hatch available on the market (415bhp and 369lb ft of torque) and it options the world’s most potent series-production four-cylinder engine.
The important thing stats say all of it, as a result of that turbocharged 2.0-litre engine means it’s able to 0–62mph in a blistering 3.9 seconds and a prime pace of 168mph.
Oh, and all that energy is directed to the highway through an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and AMG’s 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system.
For what it’s value, gas financial system is a claimed 30.8mpg. And admittedly, except you possess superhuman ranges of restraint, the fact is nearer to 25mpg.
First impressions depend and the Mercedes-AMG A45 S is an announcement automotive.
Aside from new entrance and taillights and an AMG badge on the bonnet, the replace hasn’t made a lot of a distinction to the automotive externally – which isn’t any dangerous factor.
With its aggressive stance, decrease lip spoiler, quad-exhaust pipes, entrance bumper canards and a large rear wing, it oozes efficiency.
Inside, the very first thing you discover is the driving place, which is a tad excessive, whereas the seats are on the agency facet. The dashboard is shared with customary A-Class fashions, so there’s a formidable dual-screen set-up and a head-up show.
For those who choose issues minimalist, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S will not be for you. There’s a posh twin-spoke steering wheel incorporating two mode buttons, 5 round air vents and a line of climate-control switches.
There’s loads of room up entrance, however these bucket seats eat into the rear passenger area, so greatest to strive the area for dimension.
The 370-litre boot is about common for a household hatchback and there’s a helpful 40/20/40-split rear bench.
In fact, premium supplies are used all through the inside and it’s exhausting to fault the general construct high quality, inside and outside.
Naturally, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S is a bit more vocal on start-up than your common hatchback, but it surely’s not anti-social.
In actual fact, it’s actually easy-going, completely satisfied pootling round city and cruising on the motorway. Put your foot down and it’s a automotive reworked. The exhaust observe is angrier, it pumps via the gears and earlier than it, you’re as much as the authorized restrict.
Traction is prodigious, however scorching hatches aren’t nearly straight-line pace – it’s how they cope on more difficult roads.
And it’s right here that the Mercedes-AMG A forty five S is in one other league. There are a bewildering quantity of drive mode settings (there’s even a drift mode), and you’ll tweak the steering, suspension and exhaust, however in the end, the sportier you get the extra astonishing it turns into.
With sharp, responsive steering, phenomenal cornering potential, highly effective brakes and a wonderful rear bias, it’s remarkably forgiving and stays unbelievably composed.
I can’t fake to know all of the intelligent, technical stuff occurring behind the scenes. All I do know if that it really works beautifully. Not solely does it put a smile in your face, but it surely leaves you craving for extra. This could possibly be an entertaining observe day weapon.
My solely criticism is that the experience is agency, even in consolation mode, but it surely’s definitely not a deal-breaker. Sadly, the beginning worth of £63,285 might be for a lot of.
Verdict: Fairly merely, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S is without doubt one of the greatest scorching hatches ever – a heady mixture of energy, very good driving engagement, prime construct high quality and practicality.
Mercedes-Benz UK