After teasing out their next winged hatchback, Mercedes-AMG have this afternoon unveiled the next generation of their firecracker A-Class performance models.
Dubbed the A35 4Matic, it lines up where the last generation left off. Under the bonnet sits a twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-litre engine (a revised version of MB's M260 unit, from the A250) capable of sending 225kW of power at 5800rpm and 400Nm of torque between 300–4000rpm to all four corners. It does this via Merc's 4Matic four-wheel drive system and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
That means that this slots in as a prime rival for the likes of the Audi S3, and even the commoner's hot hatch; the Hyundai i30 N.
It even, on paper at least, draws quite a tight comparison with the Honda Civic Type R FK8.
Although the winged Japanese wonder is often identified as being more of a rival for the larger-engined 280kW A45 and its subsequent contemporaries (like the Ford Focus RS, Audi RS3 and so on), it only features three more kilowatts than this A35. And unlike the Mercedes, all that power goes to the front wheels alone.
Click here to read more about the all-new Mercedes-Benz A200 hatch
Mercedes-AMG claim that the A35 will hit 100km/h from a rest in 4.7 seconds, and will go on to hit a top speed of 250km/h. Not bad, given that this is meant to merely be the entree for the more powerful, more serious A45 big brother.
But don't write it off early, just because it's not the most powerful thing in the line-up.
The A35 comes with other AMG aces up its sleeves.
On top of an extensive aero kit (including the traditional huge wing), it comes with a stiffer bodyshell than the A-Class hatch upon which it's based thanks to an aluminium 'shear panel' under the engine-bay and additional bracing.
That seven-speed dual clutch has also been revised. It's been given AMG's 'Speedshift' software, which supposedly sharpens upshifts and downshifts with quicker and more intuitive response times.
Brakes get attention, in the form of enlarged 350mm ventilated discs up front an 330mm ventilated discs down the back. And behind them sits a combined MacPherson strut and four-link suspension system.
In short, this is more than an appearance package. And that's on top of the cabin, which is one of the most advanced in the Mercedes-Benz range.
New Zealand pricing and availability has yet to be confirmed, although we have contacted Mercedes New Zealand for more information.
