Mercedes-AMG A35 2020 vs the world: How does the baby AMG compare to its rivals?

Mercedes’ A35 baby AMG is set for its Down Under arrival next month wearing a $67,200 before on-road costs pricetag in hatchback form ($69,800 for the sedan), but how does its pricing and spec stack up against its competitors?

With a 225kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, a ‘4Matic’ all-wheel-drive system and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in play, the A35 can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, AMG’s ‘Ride Control’ adaptive damping suspension, five-mode drive selector, heated front seats, leather upholstery and a 10.25-inch MBUX multimedia screen.

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The most obvious rival to the A35 is Audi’s S3, which utilises a 213kW/380Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and costs $64,200 and $65,800 for the five- and four-door versions respectively.

Drive is sent to the road via Audi’s ‘quattro’ all-wheel-drive system and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for a 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.8s.

Standard gear in the S3 includes 18-inch wheels, Audi’s four-mode drive select, 7.0-inch multimedia screen, leather interior and heated front pews.

Audi also offers its S3 with a drop-top roof in its Cabriolet body style, priced at $73,400, as a point of difference to its rivals.

Meanwhile, BMW’s A35 and S3 competitor is yet to touch down on Australian shores, meaning pricing and specification for the new-generation M135i is yet to be revealed.

However, we do know the all-paw M135i’s 2.0-litre turbo four will output 225kW/450Nm, which is paired to an eight-speed single-clutch automatic for a 0-100km/h run in 4.8s.

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A leaked spec sheet seen by CarsGuide reveals the M135i will be fitted with 19-inch wheels, as well as leather upholstery and 10.25-inch multimedia screen.

Heading outside the big German three, Volkswagen’s Golf R can be had for $54,990 and $56,990 in hatch and wagon forms respectively, and employs the same 213kW/380Nm 2.0-litre engine and seven-speed DCT combo as it’s Audi S3 cousin.

Those wanting to spend even less for a potent hot hatch can opt for the 228kW/400Nm Honda Civic Type R for $51,990, although will have to make do with just front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox.

Renault’s new-generation Megane RS280 Cup can also be bought for an identical $51,990 with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and 205kW/390Nm 1.8-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine.

Subaru’s WRX STI also stacks up favourable on paper compared with the A35, delivering 221kW/407Nm from its turbocharged 2.5-litre boxer four-cylinder engine, but is manual only and kicks off from $51,340.