The A45 AMG sees Mercedes AMG embarking on a new era by offering a high-performance, compact four-cylinder vehicle. The A45 AMG delivers power that is unheard of in the compact class. Come to think of it, a few years ago this power was unheard of in the V8 class. With its output of 265kW and up to 450Nm of torque, the AMG two-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine is the most powerful series production, four-cylinder engine in the world. The sensational power density of 133kW outstrips even the most powerful super-sports cars. At the same time, the engine also boasts supreme efficiency and complies with the EU6 emissions standard. The A45 AMG also leads its segment in terms of fuel consumption, running on 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres in NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) combined mode. The performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive on board the A45 AMG not only sets new standards in this car’s segment, but also ensures performance second to none through its seven-speed transmission, dual-clutch, double declutch function and the unique racing-start mode that really makes the A45 AMG take off like a bullet fired from a .45 Pistol.

 

Driving performance is as near to perfection as one can get, and taking the A45 AMG onto the open road, even on bad and uneven surfaces, is a pleasure. There are three settings that control the ride quality, engine and gearbox of the car. In Comfort mode, the A45 AMG seems lazy, but the moment those revolutions hit 3 500, the A45 becomes a beast. Ride quality is excellent and the suspension is great. We preferred driving in S mode, which is the sport setting, as the A45 responds immediately and has an aggressive burble-and-pop exhaust tone that is in the same class as its bigger brothers with the V8 machines. What also surprises is the ride quality, as it is excellent – and even better than that of the A Class in general.

 

DATA AT A GLANCE:

 

• Output                                                265kW at 6 000rpm

• Maximum torque                                 450Nm at 2 250-5 000rpm

• Maximum engine speed                      6 700rpm

• Power density                                     133kW

• Fuel consumption NEDC combined    6.9-7.1 l/100km

• CO2 emissions                                   165g/km

• Emissions standard                            EU6

• Acceleration 0–100 km/h                    4.6 seconds

• Top speed                                          250km/h*

 

*Electronically limited

 

Fuel consumption while driving on the open road came to 9.4 litres/100km. The M setting is really for the very experienced driver who wants to be able to change gears as he or she see fits, and also to get that extra performance when the three-stage ESP® with ESP® Curve Dynamic Assist is switched off, leaving you with no safety net to catch you when you overstep the limits. The safety-oriented ‘ESP ON’ mode supports the driver in maintaining neutral handling characteristics. I have rarely had so much pleasure in testing a vehicle as I had with the Mercedes A45 AMG. Being at Kyalami racetrack is not something new, but the way Mercedes-Benz allowed us to experience the A45 AMG really gave us a true indication not only of its capabilities, but also of the enjoyment to be had and of the greatness of this magnificent compact car.

 

I cannot fault the car either on quality and finish or on its trendy, yet sophisticated, looks and performance. Being ‘on the big side’, I find sports seats small and uncomfortable, but these seats are comfortable, ‘hug’ you and are easy to set exactly as you want them. The steering wheel can be adjusted for rake and height. I prefer the mechanical setting of both the steering and the slide of the seats, as I can do it faster. Controls are easy to reach and to use. Believe it or not, with the seats moved backwards, there is still space for my number 11 shoes in the back. But let me return to the main business at hand and tell you of the Kyalami experience. We did not only race around the track as is usually the case. We had a ‘rally’ course laid out by Mercedes-Benz, and we all had our famous champion navigator Christoph Snyders with us in our cars racing against time around not only the track but also in and out of other sections of Kyalami. This was done in rally terminology, such as ‘6 left, 150, caution right 9’, etc. What that means is there is a level-6 turn to the left, which describes the grade of the turn to the left. Then ‘150’ means 150 metres before a very sharp turn to the right, nearly like a hairpin bend.

 

The A45 AMG lined up in the pit lane and I activated Racing start and shot away to do ‘50 left 8’ and then ‘20 right 7’, before accelerating uphill and doing a ‘right 5, don’t overshoot, don’t cut’ – and so it went. Then it was a quick stop for ESP off and Manual selected before doing the slalom on the skidpan. Thereafter, it was back through the gates and onto the track at full speed, all the while just listening to the twin-scroll turbocharger and AMG sports exhaust system with exhaust flap singing out its tunes through the two striking tailpipes. The AMG sports exhaust system emits a fascinating, full-engine sound that is particularly impressive during powerful acceleration and downshifts. Steering through the corners at speed is exhilarating, as the all-wheel drive just takes everything in its stride. Then it was braking hard to again leave the circuit in order to follow a route that tests the suspension to its maximum and allows one to feel the power being transferred to different wheels while accelerating and braking hard so as to negotiate tight turns. On the track again, we picked up speed, screaming through a turn, only to be told go onto the verge and negotiate through a left, then right cone on the gravel and then do a hairpin turn. And, again, it was back onto the track – and so it went. We all took longer than five minutes and plenty more seconds to complete the course, but it was a real experience as well as a test of the capability of this dream machine.

 

Another special feature designed to enhance dynamic performance and driving enjoyment is ‘Momentary M mode’. In C and S mode, the driver is able to activate manual mode (‘M’) without having to remove a hand from the steering wheel, but just by pressing the ‘up’ or ‘down’ shift paddle once. In Momentary M mode, the driver experiences the dynamism and performance of shifting gears in manual mode in all of the automatic-drive programmes, with automatic up- and down-shifting thrown in. This allows the driver to devote his or her full attention to the vehicle’s impressive performance. The shift times in manual mode ‘M’ and in Sport mode ‘S’ are similarly sporty in character to those of the SLS AMG GT super-sports car. The ECO start/stop function is only active in ‘C’ or Comfort mode.

 

The A45 AMG comes standard with five twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, and fitted with 235/40 R 18 tyres. Couple this with the electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with specific, speed-dependent power assistance and one has high steering precision and agility in all situations. The A45 AMG looks the part as a distinctive, high-performance Mercedes and shouts ‘AMG’ at you through its ‘twin-blade’ radiator grille and the cross-strut in the AMG front apron, both painted in matt titanium grey. Also, there are: the striking black flics over the large cooling air intakes at the sides; the AMG light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design; the side-sill panels with inserts in matt titanium grey, showing the sleek side ending in a hatchback; the ‘TURBO AMG’ lettering on the wing; and the AMG rear apron with its highlighted air-outlet openings at the sides and featuring a diffuser insert and trim in matt titanium grey. Finally, the two square, chrome-plated tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system with exhaust flap add an appropriately bold finishing touch.

 

Inside, too, the new A45 AMG screams Mercedes AMG dynamism and exclusivity. The sports seats in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre with red contrasting topstitching are superb for any kind of driving, including cruising, and the multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles and the AMG DRIVE UNIT sets new standards in terms of both appearance, grip and quality. The dashboard trim comes in carbon-fibre look – a perfect match for the five round air vents in black/red – and is modern and functional, while the red seat belts and the AMG door-sill panels add to the ambiance of the cockpit. The AMG instrument cluster presents information by means of a central colour display with the AMG main menu and the RACETIMER.

 

I will not ponder on the looks of the A45 AMG, but the following is a list of the numerous individualisation options that are available for the A45 AMG:

• AMG aerodynamics package: AMG rear aerofoil, additional flics in the front apron, and a larger front splitter.

• AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirror housing.

• AMG exterior carbon-fibre package: front splitter, side-sill panel inserts, and trim on the rear apron in genuine carbon fibre.

• AMG rear aerofoil.

• AMG exclusive package.

• AMG multispoke, light-alloy wheels in 8 x 19 fitted with 235/35 R 19 tyres, painted in titanium grey with high-sheen finish or in matt black with high-sheen rim flange.

• AMG night package: privacy glass, black anodised waistline trim strip, black tailpipe trims in chromed finish, radiator fins in silver chrome, high-gloss black painted finish for front splitter, exterior mirrors, side-sill panel inserts and rear apron trim.

• AMG performance exhaust system, including tailpipe trims.

• AMG performance suspension.

• AMG performance steering wheel and E-SELECT lever, as well as electronic key with AMG emblem.

• AMG performance seats.

• AMG wheel-bolt covers in black with hubcaps in central-locking look.

• Red-painted callipers.

 

The web special can be seen online at: www.mercedes-amg.com/a45.

 

Pricing

The A45 AMG comes standard with a class-leading, six-year/100 000km Premium Drive maintenance plan with no customer contribution. The price is R599 500, including VAT (but excluding CO₂ tax). I believe that the opposition will have to pull up their socks to catch up with this revolutionary AMG product. As a whole package, it is much more advanced than its competitors and is just sheer pleasure to drive. There are only a few cars that may be able to compete for this position.