Mercedes-Benz A45 Reviews

The premium car manufacturers have traditionally stayed away from the hot hatch market, but that's no longer the case.

Autoexpress reviews the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG with its four-door coupe sister car, the CLA 45 AMG.

For years, tuning house AMG has been fitting large, loud V8s into Mercedes and turning swanky buyers into tyre-shredding louts.

This is the one we’ve all been waiting for. When we tested the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class in Europe at its global launch 12 months ago

The A45 is the AMG brand’s greatest departure to date from its roots of high performance rear-wheel drive sedans with big-capacity V8 and V12s.Over the past decade, the three-letter badge from Affalterbach has appeared on all sorts of hot Benzes; with stonking performance and ‘that’ trademark exhaust growl available in anything from coupes to convertibles, wagons and SUVs. With the arrival of the new A45 from September, it can add the hottest of hot hatches to its impressive repertoire.Despite being based on the humble A-Class small hatch, the all-wheel drive A45 promises supercar levels of performance, garnished by Mercedes’ boast that its 2.0 litre turbocharged engine is the most powerful four cylinder unit currently in series production.This may be half the average AMG cylinder count, but the A45 also more than halves the AMG price of entry, and delivers efficiency to prove the AMG formula can be successfully morphed for the future. VALUECompared to the current AMG-entry C63 sedan’s $154,900, the $74,900 A45 AMG looks like a performance bargain. The A45’s claimed 0-100km/h figure of 4.6 seconds is just two tenths behind its 6.2 litre V8-equipped sibling, and their standard spec lists and interior packaging are surprisingly comparable.Against more realistic rivals like the $64,900 BMW M135i or the segment stalwarts $59,990 Subaru WRX STi or the $56,990 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the A45’s bargain status does diminish, but none can match the A45 for performance, freshness of design or spec.The A45’s list of standard features includes a panoramic glass sunroof, seven inch multimedia screen, with satnav, 10GB hard-drive and internet capability, plus 12 speaker Harmon Kardon audio, dual-zone climate control and heated seats with memory adjustment. The only remaining options are ($490) blackened wheels, ($1990) 20% stiffer coil springs, a ($1990) aero package, and a spacesaver wheel to expand on the standard puncture kit. DESIGNIn isolation, the A45 with its standard 19-inch wheels looks every bit an AMG tearaway, but alongside the already hot but non-AMG A250 Sport, there’s little visual differentiation aside from wheels and badging, extra black detailing, a unique grille and trapezoidal exhaust outlets.For those wishing to shout their AMG status from a greater distance, there is the Aerodynamics Package fitted to our test car adds black ailerons and a larger front splitter to the front apron, and a boisterous wing to the hatch.The interior is unmistakably AMG, with red highlights against perforated leather and trim, aluminium and carbon-look details, specific sports seats, and numerous AMG logos. The instrument cluster also includes a lap-timer, which is controlled by the steering wheel’s audio controls. German austerity this isn’t, but it suits the A45’s hardcore performance overtones.The only concession to practicality is the loss of lesser A-Class’s front under-seat storage in favour of a lower seating position, but a useful 341L/1157L cargo area remains in the rear. ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONThe A45’s top-dog petrol 2.0 litre punches out 265kW and 450Nm, with the latter on tap between 2250-5000rpm thanks to a flexible twin-scroll turbocharger. The highly-strung unit is kept reliable with the finite control of piezo direct-injection, plus the added strength of a forged crankshaft and pistons. Like AMG’s bigger engines, each A45 powerplant is hand-assembled by a sole engine builder.All A45s come with a seven-speed Speedshift dual-clutch auto transmission, which incorporates an aggressive sport mode for rapid-fire shifting and launch control to show off that 4.6 second 0-100 figure. Despite all this caged mechanical lunacy, the A45 uses standard start/stop to return an amazing 6.9l/100km official combined fuel figure – less than a base model Toyota Corolla.SAFETYThe A45 builds on the lesser A-Class model’s five star safety rating, with three stage stability control offering three choices of safety net, plus Distronic Plus active cruise control, blind-spot and lane-keeping assist.DRIVINGOur drive route included a stint at the Phillip Island race circuit, with the notorious circuit’s combination of high speeds and undulating bends ideal for showcasing the little AMG’s capabilities. Using the integrated launch mode, the A45 rockets off the line, with the standard sports exhaust barking a proper worked-four snarl, with aggressive pops on heavy throttle gearchanges and lift-off.From 0-100km/h, the A45 will (just) beat an Audi RS4, so it’s capable of shaming some highly respected names. We saw 230km/h at the end of the main straight, and it was still climbing steadily toward the A45’s 270km’h speed limiter.The A45’s transmission snaps through the gears as only a twin-clutcher can. Left in Sport mode, it will downshift satisfyingly under heavy brakes. At first the transmission’s willingness to downshift can seem a bit timid, but is tuned to keep revs within the engine’s 2250-5000 torque band. There are paddle shifters behind the wheel, but we found the intelligence of Sport-automatic well up to the task of track work.The 350mm front/330mm rear steel stoppers reeled in the 1555kg A45 lap after lap without complaint, and the 235-section Dunlop Sport Maxx RTs on all corners gripped amazingly through The Island’s slower corners. The A45’s focused chassis is a huge leap above any other A-Class, with a specific four-link rear end and heavily revised front  suspension keeping the little hatch planted, with little roll and plenty of travel for swallowing bumps.The A45’s Haldex all-wheel drive system sends up to 50 per cent of drive to the rear wheels when needed, which means that the huge task of delivering power to the ground is generally left up to the front wheels. However, torque steer amazingly near-absent and the weighting and feel of the electric-assistance is a surprising delight. The flat top and bottomed leather and alcantara wheel is a lovely thing to look at and grip, but feels a bit like a 50 cent piece during heavy twirling. The A45’s sports seats are well up to the cornering forces of the track, and remained comfortable for this real-world human.While the big rear-wheel drive AMG’s are known for their tail-wagging track antics, the A45 just picks up its skirt and rockets out of corners. This safe and predictable power delivery is more like a scaled-down Audi RS or Nissan GT-R, and it’s a better real-world car for it. Left in Comfort mode on some real-world rural roads, the A45 winds back its raucous nature with softer gearshifts and the active exhaust no longer cracks and burbles. It still makes a nice rasp, and the ride is sharp but liveable over rural surface irregularities. The A45 is always a hot hatch, but it’s only an aggro beast when you want it to be.VERDICTFor the first four cylinder AMG model, Mercedes-Benz has certainly gone about it the right way. The A45’s price is sure to introduce the AMG brand to many, and it delivers easily accessed and stonking performance. The fact that it all comes wrapped within a practical five-door hatch body only sweetens the deal.Mercedes-Benz A45 AMGPrice: from $74,900Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo; 265kW/450NmTransmission: 7-speed auto, all-wheel-driveThirst: 6.9L/100km

The best AMG from this hallowed performance house is the newest and the cheapest by as much as $75,000. This car is nothing less than an historic event.In almost literally reversing the paradigm of what an AMG has been, Benz and its tuning partner conspire to deliver not only the greatest hot hatch, but effectively future proof this line against the coming day when the V8 rear-drive autobahn stormer is, if not actually illegal, so socially abhorrent as to make no odds.That this partly all-wheel-drive, but mainly bum dragging, five door is the fastest car under $100,000 is to some extent only to be expected. AMG was hardly going to halve its cylinder count and swap its drive wheels in order to bring the world a superannuated Golf GTI. This is a game changer, a paradigm buster, an accomplishment to make any thinking performance car buyer reconsider every perception and prejudice they've ever held dear.With the next rung up C63 AMG starting at around $150K, the A45 not only opens AMG to punters who would never previously have considered this brand while sober, it makes a powerful case for being the best value car on sale.Alright, $74,900 is a few grand over BMW's comparable M135i auto, but the latter is not a full-fledged M car and the A45 shows that the A-Class was in no little part conceived with an eventual AMG incarnation at top of mind, as marketing types say. Indeed, it is the whole 10 metres, a literally fully blown AMG.That “entry” sum buys the whole package. Only nice paint, sun roof and a few fancy fiddly bits are optional. You get COMAND satnav, hugely grippy 19s on cool alloys, enough body kit to satisfy all but the irredeemably kitsch, fireworks exhaust and seven-speed twin clutch auto with an aggressive sport mode and neck-snapping launch control.Factor in the capability of smoking most anything this side of a Porsche 911 S, but with suburban compatible passenger and load capacity, and you have a package that asks questions of everything from WRX STI to HSV. To the latter, particularly, it says: “This is 2013.” Arriving soon at some $10K more is the decidedly more stylish but twin under the skin CLA 45 AMG.I wasn't overjoyed to discover this version of 4Matic all-wheel-drive is not only part-time but channels only 50 per cent of the available torque to rear. Visions of the dull-witted, insincere devices typically attached to compact SUVs are rapidly banished. You'll need to dial off the stability program (and find a track) before the Pirellis are tested. The world's most powerful four cylinder packs more kilowatts than the six pot turbo135i and equals its torque.If the basic A-Class makes even those dismissive of hatches look twice, they won't be able to take their eyes off this. She's pretty sick, mate, especially from the rear three quarters where the rising waistline is set off by haunches like an East German shotputter, full of 'roids and ready to rush. It's a great cabin, rich and dark with performance accents that allude to its ability. I'd prefer the gear shifter on the floor rather than the tree, but that arguments been lost.Stop me if you're hearing this a lot lately, but five star crash rating aside, the A45 is all about active safety. It is mightily competent even under levels of duress you won't chart in civilian surrounds.“You don't have to brake for this,” scoffs the bloke in the passenger seat, for the A45 does indeed, as he asserts, “Benz the law of physics”. That line'd be lame if the littlest AMG didn't so much take corners as dismiss them.If there's not the engagement that you'll have in a truly sorted rear-drive device (such as, yes, the 135i) I'll swap that for the exhilaration of carrying so much pace through low speed bends with complete surety and safety. Indeed, on public roads I get nowhere near the limit of this spectacular hatch's mechanical grip.Power down, even in launch mode, is stunning. Not so much as a twitch through the front or the always communicative steering; power transfer takes some infinitesimal, imperceptible fraction of a second and 100km/h is achieved in a claimed 4.6 seconds, though the Benz bloke says 4.4's been realised in unofficial testing. You're apt to believe it.A track is of the essence if one is to climb over some sixth-tents of this blazingly quick and capable device. We strongly suggest all AMG owners take the offer of professional lessons. Even in the hands of a middling driver like me, the cheapest AMG by half is going to be the quickest by some way on interesting roads. Its compact competence ensures that.If it out-dances its boofy V8 stablemates, the A45 can't sing like them. Still, the assault rifle crackle of the exhaust in sport mode enlivens any domestic drive. Sport flays hopes of realising the claimed fuel figure, even as it rides as decently as any focused five door could be expected.A caveat is the twin clutch auto. In drive it races up the ratios, in sport it holds on while overruling manual down shifts. The latter matters only a little with so much grunt so readily obtainable and its aptitude for intuiting your intentions.Addictive and delightful. A landmark.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class was introduced in 1997 as clever city car that was shorter than any other production car on the road.Thus giving it an advantage in the ongoing parking battle that’s an unpleasant part of living in large European cities. It sold in huge numbers in Europe, over two million in total, but was only a moderate success in Australia.That’s likely to change as soon as the new model hits our shores because Mercedes has completely changed direction. This Mercedes will sell on style alone. Just look at the bold front that carries more than passing styling cues to the high-performance SLS Gullwing and Roadster.VALUEPricing is yet to be finalised for Australia but it’s known Mercedes is keen to compete in the top end of the affordable small-car market. We anticipate the local importer to sharpen its pencil and begin its price list in the mid thirty thousands.The A-Class is almost an iPhone on wheels with the way it lets you communicate and/or entertain its occupants. Expect the features to become available on the bigger Benz models soon, but the A-Class has them first. The connectivity designers have opted to pair the car with Apple’s iPhone initially, but Android units will soon be able to join the game.DESIGNThis Mercedes will sell on style alone. Just look at the bold front that carries more than passing styling cues to the high-performance SLS Gullwing and Roadster. Then admire the way the style lines on the doors swoop up boldly to create a look-at-me statement.There’s nothing shy and retiring about this new Mercedes-Benz, it will appeal to the young and the young at heart in a big way. Indeed, may we suggest that if you’re interested in buying one a quick call to your local Mercedes dealer is in order. We can see a waiting list building rapidly.TECHNOLOGYYet the new Mercedes A-Class isn’t just about style. Under that shapely skin it has the features you just don’t see in this class. Because in luxury, connectivity and safety it’s as well equipped as its big brothers.Power for the standard models in the new A-Class comes from a variety of petrol and diesel engines. It will be sold in Mercedes’ usual Urban, Sport and Luxury versions. A number of further items can be added to customise the car to your taste.SAFETYGiven that some silly drivers will allow themselves to become distracted by the in-car communications systems, some are disabled when the car is moving. It has also fitted with a suite of crash avoidance items as in the more expensive Mercs. Lane departure, blind-spot and tailgating warnings are all offered on the new A-Class. Should everything still go wrong the A-Class has occupant protection systems to minimise harm to those inside.DRIVINGBut enough about the all-new Mercedes A-Class as a platform for the latest in electronic communication, what’s it like as a car?In a word, excellent. You are given the choice of multiple driving modes ranging from sedate to sporting. This isn’t really intended to be a sports hatch, but if a keen driver turns on all the correct settings it gives them plenty of driving pleasure.We were able to experience A-Class in Slovenia as part of the international launch program. Driving it on some of the most scenic mountain roads we have every experienced.New Mercedes A-Class has a nicely balanced feel and almost gives the dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive car. Throttle control is easy and the steering feedback through the electro-mechanical system is excellent. Yet, even with the sports setting turned on the car didn’t lose a lot in comfort.Unusually, we were permitted to try an upcoming sporting version of the A-Class with AMG modifications during the latter stages of its development. The engineering staff were working on the final details of the engine and double-clutch DCT transmission tune for the A25 Sport and demonstrated their work to us as well as allowing us brief test drives.This testing was done in interesting circumstances - in pouring rain on an airport runway closed for the occasion. It was heaven for keen revheads like us; slippery surfaces and nothing to hit if we did get things wrong...Further down the road an extra-hot A45 AMG will be introduced. The ‘45’ doesn’t stand for the engine size (pity!) but rather to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the founding of AMG.