Mercedes-AMG A45 S 2020 review: family test

While at first glance, this new A 45 seems to favour a more toned-down look than the previous-generation vehicle, it also offers enough exterior trimmings to showcase its performance intent. This A 45 definitely strikes a better balance between boy racer and sophisticated driving machine - performance looks without the superfluous flashy bits. 

Upon closer inspection, there are plenty of performance-inspired design cues, with a menacing-looking front end and those 19-inch matt-black alloy wheels shod with Michelin tyres. Sitting over large red brake calipers, these wheels look the absolute business.

At first glance, this new A 45 seems to favour a more toned-down look than the previous-generation vehicle.

The beefed-up rear end features a modestly styled spoiler located high above a not-so-subtle set of exhaust pipes sitting either side of a sizeable diffuser.

Inside the cabin, the styling of our test car favoured a less-subtle look, with my kids and I greeted by red and black ‘Lugano’ leather upholstery across the seats and doors. Elsewhere, there is brush aluminium trim peppered throughout in addition to smart set of metal-trimmed pedals. The microfibre-clad AMG steering wheel looked and felt the part, too.

Inside there are red and black leather upholstery plus brush aluminium trim.

The A 45 S is a hatch back measuring 4445mm in length, 1850mm in width and 1412mm in height, which translates into a relatively modest amount of cabin space.

Front seat passengers are provided with ample head and legroom, but there is more of a squeeze in the backseat for taller humans. For my kids, who are 11, 11 and 13, it was adequate and elicited no complaints.

Front seat passengers are provided with ample head and legroom.

Boot space, at 370 litres, is enough for the weekly grocery shop and not much more. The low lip and wide opening certainly help with loading and unloading items. Should you need more space, the 40/20/40 rear seats fold down to provide a cargo area of 1210 litres.

The A 45 S presents an entirely viable option as a daily driver, with the one exception being the ride. While the suspension set up was exceptional for allowing it stick like glue to corners at speed, it made for a rather spine rattling drive around the city and 'burbs. That aside, though,  the A 45 S has plenty of creature comforts to keep everyone happy.

My kids in the backseat made good use of the two cupholders in the rear centre fold-down armrest, along with the small door pockets, air vents and two USB ports.

The backseats are a bit of a squeeze for taller people.

Up front, there are another two cupholders, giant door pockets, a big split-opening centre console bin and a tray for the wireless phone charger.

The A 45 S is fun and easy to navigate around town, with its hatchback size making it ideal for fitting into smaller parking spaces around the city, with a suite of parking aids on hand, including auto parking, to help.  

As you’d expect, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S comes with an impressive list of safety equipment - earning it the maximum five-star score when it was tested by ANCAP in 2018.

The advanced safety tech includes AEB with cross-traffic function, blind spot warning, lane keeping assistance, lane change assistance, auto parking and adaptive cruise control. Added to this list are nine airbags and a 360-degree camera.

For parents ferrying infants or small children in capsules or car seats, there are three top tether points and two ISOFIX mounts across the second row to secure them.

The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ lists for $93,600, with the Mountain Grey Metallic paint our test car came in adding another $1190.

Standard exterior features for the list price include the 19-inch matt black alloy wheels, quad exhaust tips and a hefty diffuser. There's the Panamericana grille and AMG front apron, the red brake callipers, small roof-top spoiler, LED headlights, panoramic sunroof and privacy rear glass, too.

The A 45 S wears 19-inch matt-black alloy wheels.

Inside, there’s the sport seats and two-tone leather upholstery, and the AMG Performance steering wheel clad in 'Dinamica' microfibre.

The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.