Mercedes-AMG is set to regaining the hot hatch crown
with the all-new A45, based on the third generation A-Class. Speaking to
journalists present at the Geneva Motor Show, AMG chief, Tobias Moers confirmed
what everyone already knew: the car will arrive with over 400 horsepower, from
a new turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.
So, in addition to the new powertrain that brings
the upcoming AMG A45 into a different league, the hot hatch will also benefit
from other mechanical upgrades. Thus, expect the ever present 4Matic AWD
system, tweaked chassis, steering and brakes, in addition to other work carried
beneath the new sheet metal, including a rumored ‘Drift’ driving mode.
However, if the new Mercedes-AMG A45 is indeed getting
this feature, then it will place the ball in the Ford Focus RS’ court. The
Michigan-born hot hatch is also waiting for a replacement that could arrive in
2019 or 2020.
As far as the Stuttgart-based company’s hot hatch
goes, it will arrive later this year and, for the first time, it will be joined
by a lesser model, presumably called A35, to asses of the Audi S3 Sportback
problem.
