Mercedez-Benz AMG ‘hot hatch’ has gone on sale

THE first high powered compact Mercedez-Benz AMG ‘hot hatch’ has gone on sale, and is claimed to be the ‘hottest hatch ever’. The A 45 AMG represents the new benchmark in the high-performance compact class, claims the German manufacturer.

It delivers sensational power from its 2-litre turbo charged engine with a maximum output of 265 kW (360 hp) and a peak torque of 450 Newtons while consuming just 6.9 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres.

Mercedes claim it is the most powerful four-cylinder production engine in the world. Main rivals, the Audi S3 and BMW M135i develop 296bhp and 315bhp respectively. But that sort of performance comes at a price. In Spain it will cost from €54,750

The A45 AMG’s four wheel drive system is dynamic. In normal driving all the power goes through the front wheels. Depending on conditions and driver selections up to 50 per cent can be diverted to the rear wheels to improve stability.

What’s more, the engine already complies with the EU6 emissions standard. The performance-tuned AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive system fitted as standard ensures supreme driving dynamics, along with outstanding traction that enables the 0-100 km/h sprint to be completed in just 4.6 seconds.