What's the news?

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its first AMG-fettled A-Class, the A 45 AMG. It's propelled by 'the most powerful series production four-cylinder engine in the world' with 360hp and comes with four-wheel drive as standard.

Exterior

The A-Class is already considered to be a good-looking car, but the A 45 notches the aggression up in true AMG style. At the front it's the new grille and deep apron that set it apart. These are complemented by low side sills and 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, while the rear view is dominated by a diffuser-like insert in the bumper and square, chromed exhaust outlets. Buyers can further differentiate the car with optional extras such as the AMG Aerodynamics package that includes a rear spoiler, more 'flics' in the front bumper and a larger front splitter. There's also an extensive carbon fibre package or the dark-themed AMG Night package and 19-inch rims to choose from.

Interior

The carbon fibre theme continues inside, where it influences the look of the dashboard. Red is used throughout as well to mark out the air vents, seat belts and contrasting stitching in the sports seats. The latter are trimmed in a combination of Artico (man-made leather) and Dinamica microfibre. Behind the sporty multifunction leather steering wheel is a set of gearchange paddles and AMG-specific instruments.

Mechanicals

This is where the A 45 AMG gets particularly interesting. Under the bonnet is an all-new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which Mercedes-Benz reckons is the most powerful four-cylinder engine currently in production. It produces 360hp at 6,000rpm and 450Nm of torque between 2,250- and 5,000rpm. The A 45 AMG tops an electronically limited 155mph and does 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds. That hand-built engine is mated with 4MATIC four-wheel drive and AMG's dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission called Speedshift. Distribution of the engine's output is usually to the front wheels, though up to 50 per cent can be sent rearwards depending on driving conditions and the ESP settings.

The latter is worth a mention as it comes with three modes - fully on, ESP Sport Handling and fully off. It also features ESP Curve Dynamic Assist, which applies brakes to the inside wheel to aid agility in tighter bends.

Anything else?

Needless to say the chassis has been upgraded to cope with the higher performance. The suspension is stiffer in all directions and the rear four-link axle is unique to the AMG model. The steering features speed-sensitive electromechanical assistance and the braking system has been upgraded considerably with 350 x 32mm ventilated and cross-drilled discs up front and 330 x 22mm items at the back.

The A 45 AMG makes its world debut at the Geneva Show next month before going into production in the summer. Prices have yet to be announced.

Shane O' Donoghue - 13 Feb 2013