Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the A45 AMG hatchback. Based on the successful third generation A-Class, the A45 is the Mercedes-Benz tuning team’s first hatchback and will be revealed officially to the public at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.
Unlike in the past where AMG took an existing A-Class and modified it to go faster, this car has been specifically designed by AMG to meet its performance standards. On the outside, the A45 gets a front splitter, AMG specific grille and air intakes, skirts, mirrors with a gloss black finish.
The car gets grey 18inch alloy-wheels and an optional carbonfibre trim which replace the front splitter, sill inserts and rear bumper with carbonfibre items. Also included in this list is the ‘you can’t miss me zooming by’ red brake callipers. Inside, the A45 apart from the usual Mercedes-Benz toys and luxuries gets the AMG specific seats, instrument cluster and red seatbelts.
However, where the A45 AMG comes alive is under the hood and body. It is powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 335bhp and an equally large amount of torque. Power is transmitted to the wheels via a seven-speed automatic dual clutch gearbox. Given that so much power was being squeezed out of such a small engine, AMG has made the car four-wheel drive using the three-pointed star’s patented 4matic drivetrain.
Each aluminium engine has been hand-built by a single technician and will also power the CLA 45 AMG. Other performance upgrades include a new exhaust system, revised springs and dampers, and various aerodynamic extras. Oh and did we mention that it uses the same cooling system developed for the SLS AMG supercar.
The A45 is AMG’s first attempt at a building a fast car smaller than the C-Class. The German automaker has said that it aimed to combine performance and fun when building the A45 in an attempt to attract younger buyers.
The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG is likely to be priced in the range of 36000 (Rs 30 lakh) to 40000 GBP (Rs 33 lakh) and will debut at next month’s Geneva Auto Show.
