2016 Mercedes-AMG A45 first drive review

[Express]

Mercedes-AMG A45 first drive review


A more powerful engine and reworked chassis broaden the dynamic envelope of Mercedes' popular hot hatch.


Sam Charlwood
September 14 2015


Mercedes-Benz has upped power on its A45 pocket rocket. Photo: Supplied


Mercedes-AMG has chosen a perfect time to update the A45 hot hatch. The original was a bold step into the unknown for the German tuner at its launch two-and-a-half years ago: the first four-cylinder machine from a company whose entire business model until then hinged on big bore V8s and V12s.

The A45 was, and still is, the most powerful four-cylinder series production vehicle in the world. It has become the number one seller of the AMG brand globally, and forms the entry point to the marque's Australian portfolio.

But those credentials weren't enough for AMG in the face of fresh competition. Only two years after redefining the performance market, the tuner has fettled the A45's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine to produce an additional 15kW of power and 25Nm of torque, boosting overall figures to a respectable 280kW and 475Nm.


The Mercedes-AMG A45 is powered by the world's most powerful four-cylinder engine. Photo: Supplied


"We are aware of Audi's RS3 and BMW's M2," an AMG product boss tells Drive.

The power fillip has lowered the hatch's official zero to 100km/h time to a blistering 4.2 seconds (down 0.4 seconds) – enough to comfortably out blast a base model Porsche 911 or the previous generation C63 AMG. A claimed top speed of 270km/h also belies the A45's diminutive stature.

As before, the prodigious engine delivers power via a electro-hydraulically operated multi-plate clutch four-wheel drive system that is capable of apportioning up to 50 per cent of drive to the rear wheels.


The new Mercdes-AMG A45's exhaust note is still as playful as ever. Photo: Supplied


Adaptive dampers have been added as standard to the 2016 model in a bid to improve ride comfort, while a new mechanical front differential will be made optional for those who'd prefer additional grip over the standard electronic unit.

Driving the A45 at the Lausitzring circuit in Germany this week perfectly demonstrates its added dynamic prowess.

The engine remains the highlight of the driving experience. With its surfeit of power and torque not arriving until 6000rpm and 2250rpm respectively, the spread of acceleration is still predictably peaky and exciting. Call on the engine at the lower end of the dial and the response isn't as immediate, but it feels smoother and more energetic than before.

Instead, the additional firepower really comes to fruition in the lower gears with the throttle pushed up against its stopper. It feels more determined, more resolute as it revs towards its circa 6500rpm cut out.

Reinforcing the A45's additional urge is the mechanical differential, which facilitates more grip and better lateral acceleration at the limit. Exiting the circuit's final sweeping left-hand corner is a masterful demonstration; the car feels tractable and poised, sling-shotting onto the main straight in a way the predecessor could not.

Key to the car's newfound confidence is a reworked seven-speed dual clutch automatic whose shifts have been sharpened and whose ratios three through to seven have been altered slightly for better low-down performance. The gearbox is kept busy during the entire track experience, but its intuitiveness alleviates the need to call on manual paddle shifters.


Mercedes will offer Apple's CarPlay as an optional extra on its new A45. Photo: Supplied


Approaching 220km/h by the end of the main straight, the latest A45 feels incredibly stable thanks to subtle aerodynamic changes. Straight line braking is equally re-assuring as its powerful brakes instantly wash off speed.

Fortunately, mild changes to the induction, combustion and exhaust processes haven't had any ill effect on the A45's raspy exhaust note, which whipcracks and flutters on gear changes and delights the ears with its ferocious growl at anything above idle.

Quick changes in direction are afforded by the A45's excellent chassis and overall weight balance. Grip levels of the new model are impressive, the 1555kg hatch clinging on tenaciously through corners. The chassis remains playful as ever when provoked, with controllable oversteer the dominant trait.

Criticisms? The A45's steering feels a little dull in its on-centre feel, though its turn-in response and weighting remain well sorted.

As impressive as it is on closed roads, the A45 is now better resolved in everyday driving, too.

A rotary dial on the centre console offers distinctly different characteristics in throttle, gearbox, steering and damping across the standard suite of Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Race modes.

The adaptive dampers take the edge out of the firm ride in their most conservative Comfort mode, softening progress and bolstering newfound improvements in the vehicle's sound insulation. There is some body roll evident during a fast back road jaunt, though it never really impedes the A45's brilliant dynamics.

It is only in the Comfort setting you'll likely challenge the A45's claimed 6.9L/100km fuel consumption rating, which is unchanged from the predecessor.

Wicked up to it firmest Race setting, the vehicle loosens the electric reins and mimics its predecessors firm, jiggly ride.

The underbody changes are accompanied by small external design changes and subtle tweaks inside the cabin, including a new steering wheel, and a larger freestanding eight-inch media screen. Apple CarPlay will be offered as an optional extra on Australian-specification vehicles from March.

For most prospective owners, the tight back seat and minimal 341-litre boot are easily compensated by the vehicle's excellent dynamic properties. Similarly, the fact it misses out on a centre storage bin found on the regular A-Class will hardly deter sports car enthusiasts.

The new touches don't come cheap: expect a circa $5000 premium over the original A45 when the new model arrives early in 2016. For that you'll be stepping into one of the most accomplished sports cars on the market; an everyday road car that can clinically disarm a racetrack like clockwork.


2016 Mercedes-AMG A45 pricing and specifications

On sale: January 2016

Price: $80,000 plus on-road costs (estimated)

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

Power: 280kW at 6000rpm

Torque: 475Nm at 2250rpm

Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic; AWD

Fuel use: 6.9L/100km

http://www.drive.com.au/new-car-revi...13-gjlhvz.html