From £41,8759
Mercedes couldn't let the Audi RS3 get away with having more power than its AMG A 45. As part of a wholesale A-Class facelift, it now has 376bhp and a host of other revisions

What is it?

A good old-fashioned arms race, that's is what it is. Earlier this year the new Audi RS3 came along and trumped the previous A 45 AMG’s 355bhp by a whole 7bhp.

Naturally this raised an eyebrow or two at Stuttgart, so action had to be taken. Along with flipping the name to read AMG A 45 – in line with current AMG naming policy – a significant hike in power to 376bhp means it’s back to being the most powerful hot-hatch in town.

This boost, plus closer gear ratios and quicker shift times from the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, drop the 0-62mph time to just 4.2sec, which just happens to be 0.1sec quicker than the RS3.

You also get a Dynamic Select switch that, like the similar ones in the AMG GT and AMG C 63, allows you to switch the driving modes between Comfort and Sport+ depending on your mood.

If you specify the optional new AMG Dynamic Drive package, this adds an even sharper Race mode, along with adaptive dampers and a mechanical limited-slip front differential – aimed at improving traction out of bends and stability during high-speed manoeuvres.

Visual changes are subtle but include new LED headlights and restyled front and rear bumpers. Along with a new rear diffuser, the bodywork changes are claimed to clean up the airflow around the car thereby reducing drag, as well as boosting downforce.

Inside, it has an 8.0in infotainment screen and sat-nav, but if you go for the optional COMAND system this adds Apple Carplay and Mirrorlink, plus online connectivity.

What's it like?

The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot might not have the melodic warble of the RS3’s five-cylinder motor, but when you turn up the engine modes - which opens the exhaust butterflies - it emits a very satisfying BTCC-like bark, with crackles on the overrun. It's blessed with a delightful mechanical smoothness right across the rev-range, too.

As a reference point, the A 45 is just 1bhp shy of the iconic Lotus Carlton (which some people screamed should be banned back in 1991 for being too powerful), so it should come as no surprise that this baby AMG feels quick. However, it never feels scarily quick, and that’s probably down to how effectively it puts down its power and how well sorted the chassis is.

As you come barreling up to a corner and jump on the brakes the pedal gives you all the reassurance you need as the A 45 sheds speed effectively. Turn in and the steering has the lovely weight and sense of urgency that only the best hot-hatches can muster.

With the adaptive dampers set to firm the body control is also superb, but with enough compliance in hand to keep the A 45 composed even when goaded by mid-bend undulations.

In the dry and with the optional limited-slip diff in place, the traction is prodigious. Even when the turbo on full song all four tyres seem to cope, managing the task with minimal fuss. Wet roads are a little more challenging, but in general any drama is limited to easily controllable understeer.

What’s good about the A 45 is that it still manages a decent degree of comfort when you dial everything back. It's firm, but never harsh, although it can't quite match the suppleness of an RS3. Meanwhile the gearchanges switch from snappy paddle-operated manual shifts to gliding pretty smoothly between the ratios in full auto mode.

Back to top

The driving position is fine, the electric bucket seats fit like a glove, and even though this is the most junior of AMGs, the interior feels more solidly built than some of the more expensive models. It’s just a shame the infotainment system seems so far behind the Audi’s MMI system.

Should I buy one?

If we set aside the argument about the Golf R being almost as quick and £10k cheaper, which one should you buy out of the AMG A 45 and Audi RS3?

Well, they’re both pretty awesome things, but if you need your weekend toy to double also as a full-on commuter/ family car, take the Audi RS3. However, if it will sit in the garage simply waiting to make you smile on a Sunday morning blast, it's the A 45 that'll make your grin wider and last longer.

Mercedes AMG A 45 4Matic

Location Surrey; Price £39,995; Engine 4cyls, 1991cc, turbocharged, petrol; Power 376bhp at 6000rpm; Torque 350lb ft at 2250-5000rpm; Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch auto; Kerb weight 1555kg; Top speed 155mph; 0-62mph 4.2sec; Economy 40.9mpg (combined); CO2/tax band 162g/km, 27%; Rivals VW Golf RMercedes-Benz A-Class, Audi RS3

Join the debate

Comments
5
Add a comment…
superstevie 28 November 2015

This will be much faster than

This will be much faster than the Golf R. Clarkson and Hammond had them on their Road Trip shows (they're on Netflix) and the AMG was a lot quicker. And that wasn't even this version!
Citytiger 27 November 2015

The Difference isnt £10k

the starting price for a 5 door DSG Golf R is £32,890, add a few extras and its soon up around the £40k mark
abkq 27 November 2015

Citytiger wrote: the starting

Citytiger wrote:

the starting price for a 5 door DSG Golf R is £32,890, add a few extras and its soon up around the £40k mark

With the Golf you have one of the best hatchback shapes, with the A class probably the worst. Styling apart, the interior ambiance of the Golf is far superior and not at all claustrophobic like the Merc.

xxxx 30 November 2015

solution

Citytiger wrote:

the starting price for a 5 door DSG Golf R is £32,890, add a few extras and its soon up around the £40k mark

And if you don't add them the price remains at £32,890.

DVB99 1 December 2015

Re: The Difference isnt £10k

A couple of choice options on the Merc and its probably 15k!!