Mercedes-AMG is readying their next wave assault of hyper hatches with news that their new AMG A35 will officially bow at October’s Paris Motor Show, with the mighty A45 launching next year.
However, the big news is that there will be two variants of the hyper hatch - the A45 and A45 S. These are the words of Dominik Greuel, Senior Manager Marketing Communications Manager at Mercedes AMG.
The A35 will be the most affordable AMG model in the company's line-up and make use of a detuned version of the 'current' A45's M133 2.0-litre turbo motor and produce between 228 and 250kw. However, reports suggest it could also use a hybrid system like the AMG CLS53.
Regarding the A45 (seen in this render), it will be available as both an entry-level sporty variant and a high-performance S variant – much like the C63 and C63 S. It's said to use a modified version of the M133 2.0-litre turbo motor, with outputs easily exceeding the 300kw barrier, apparently making use of an electric drive motor and an electric turbocharger. This will put it ahead of the BMW M2 Competition and the Audi RS3 in the sports compact car power wars.
All three will use an AMG-tuned 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Expect these powertrains to feature in the recently unveiled A-Class Sedan, and CLA-Class which is expected to debut next year.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG A45 cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-AMG A45 starts from around R950,000 for the base model, while the high-performance A45 S variant will likely push past R1,100,000 when it launches, making it one of the priciest hyper hatches in SA.
Q: How much power does the Mercedes-AMG A45 produce?
The new A45 will exceed 300kW thanks to its modified M133 2.0-litre turbo engine with electric assistance, while the A45 S variant could push even higher, easily outgunning rivals like the BMW M2 Competition and Audi RS3.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG A45 worth buying over competitors?
If you want the most powerful compact performance car with cutting-edge tech and don't mind paying premium prices, the A45 S is your weapon of choice, but the BMW M2 Competition offers better driving dynamics for less money.
Q: What's the difference between the A45 and A45 S?
The A45 S is the hardcore track-focused variant with more power, sharper suspension, and sportier styling cues, while the standard A45 offers a more comfortable daily driving experience with slightly less aggressive tuning.
Q: Does the Mercedes-AMG A45 come with all-wheel drive?
Yes, all A45 variants come standard with AMG-tuned 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, ensuring maximum grip and acceleration in all weather conditions, which is essential for managing over 300kW of power.
Should You Buy It?
The Mercedes-AMG A45 S is the ultimate hyper hatch if you have over R1,100,000 to spend and want bragging rights at every robot. With more than 300kW and cutting-edge tech like electric turbocharging, it's the most advanced compact performance car money can buy in South Africa. However, for most petrolheads, the standard A45 at around R950,000 offers 90% of the thrills for significantly less cash. If you're budget-conscious but still want AMG thrills, wait for the A35 which should start around R750,000 and still pack enough punch to embarrass most sports cars. Bottom line: buy the A45 S if you want the absolute best and have deep pockets, or grab the A35 if you want AMG credibility without selling a kidney.
