The people at Mercedes must have thought buyers of each automotive segment could do with more power. Or perhaps, they believed that there is a hidden monster living within us who craves to relish those glorious moments in Gran Theft Auto - in the real world.
Else, why would they have handed each and every model in their lineup to their next door counterparts - AMG?
The A-Class is one of the most recent to receive the AMG treatment - but not the ordinary spruced up kit with a large capacity, naturally aspirated plant that lies in the heart of the machine.
Instead, the A45 gets a relatively smallish 2.0-litre (compared to the monumental 6.3-litre on other AMG offerings), force-fed unit. And being the first AMG to be based on a front-wheel drive hatchback, the A45 is equipped with 4MATIC all-wheel drive system to rein in the horses and ensures that they are safely and effectively dispatched on the tarmac.
The people at Mercedes, though, has assured us that it still gets all the character (and power) that will deem it fit to wear the shimmery AMG badge.
A quick look at the specs sheet reaffirms that too. With 355bhp on tap, the 2.0-litre unit produces more power per litre than any of the cars we see on the roads, rivalling even the new Porsche 911 GT3 and Bugatti Veyron Super Sport. Now, these are some bragging rights to behold.
Else, why would they have handed each and every model in their lineup to their next door counterparts - AMG?
The A-Class is one of the most recent to receive the AMG treatment - but not the ordinary spruced up kit with a large capacity, naturally aspirated plant that lies in the heart of the machine.
Instead, the A45 gets a relatively smallish 2.0-litre (compared to the monumental 6.3-litre on other AMG offerings), force-fed unit. And being the first AMG to be based on a front-wheel drive hatchback, the A45 is equipped with 4MATIC all-wheel drive system to rein in the horses and ensures that they are safely and effectively dispatched on the tarmac.
The people at Mercedes, though, has assured us that it still gets all the character (and power) that will deem it fit to wear the shimmery AMG badge.
A quick look at the specs sheet reaffirms that too. With 355bhp on tap, the 2.0-litre unit produces more power per litre than any of the cars we see on the roads, rivalling even the new Porsche 911 GT3 and Bugatti Veyron Super Sport. Now, these are some bragging rights to behold.
Exterior
The A45 looks properly dressed for the occasion with a series of add-on bits that mark it out from its tamer-looking siblings. Never have we quite seen any Merc dressed up to look every bit like this - a bad boy's racer.
And while we have been fond of how subtle AMG cars are (or were), we like how the fins on the front flanks and the fixed wing at the top of the rump remind us of our love for racing cars - flamboyant yet looking purposeful at the same time.
With a 'Turbo' script above the AMG badge, it seems that those who conceived the A45 weren't shy about it.
The A45 looks properly dressed for the occasion with a series of add-on bits that mark it out from its tamer-looking siblings. Never have we quite seen any Merc dressed up to look every bit like this - a bad boy's racer.
And while we have been fond of how subtle AMG cars are (or were), we like how the fins on the front flanks and the fixed wing at the top of the rump remind us of our love for racing cars - flamboyant yet looking purposeful at the same time.
With a 'Turbo' script above the AMG badge, it seems that those who conceived the A45 weren't shy about it.
Interior
The A45's interior gets its regular dose of flashy, ostentatious bits such as striking red seat belts, air con vents with red inner trims and red stitching laid throughout upholstery and hand rests. Of course, there're racing-inspired material, such as Alcantara, which is cleverly used on the seat inlets and steering wheel to exude a classy yet sporty feel.
That said, the differences between the A45 and its tamer siblings are more subtle than you would think. Of course you can count on the AMG badges (though it is absent on the steering wheel) to shed light on its more unique parentage.
The A45's interior gets its regular dose of flashy, ostentatious bits such as striking red seat belts, air con vents with red inner trims and red stitching laid throughout upholstery and hand rests. Of course, there're racing-inspired material, such as Alcantara, which is cleverly used on the seat inlets and steering wheel to exude a classy yet sporty feel.
That said, the differences between the A45 and its tamer siblings are more subtle than you would think. Of course you can count on the AMG badges (though it is absent on the steering wheel) to shed light on its more unique parentage.
Otherwise, you will find the red belts, red air con insets and carbon fibre-look dashboard familiar, as they are also found in the A250 Sport.
It is with longer time spent with the car that the interior could be better appreciated. The AMG sports seats from Recaro, for instance, hit a sweet spot between comfort and support, with a handful of adjustments that wraps the seat better around your body for a more cuddly ride.
Based on the A-Class, you can expect four to sit comfortably in the A45. Three will also fit at the rear for shorter commutes, and the rear headroom is more commodious than its CLA cousin, which means less trouble for taller passengers.
It is with longer time spent with the car that the interior could be better appreciated. The AMG sports seats from Recaro, for instance, hit a sweet spot between comfort and support, with a handful of adjustments that wraps the seat better around your body for a more cuddly ride.
Based on the A-Class, you can expect four to sit comfortably in the A45. Three will also fit at the rear for shorter commutes, and the rear headroom is more commodious than its CLA cousin, which means less trouble for taller passengers.
The Drive
To make sure that the A45 nameplate is firmly secured in the arena, the tuning division has gone all out to give it 360bhp and 450Nm of torque, making it the hottest hatch (in terms of performance figures) in the market.
Churning out all that power from a mere 2.0-litre is good work, but to do so in a relatively lag-free manner makes the A45 impressive. And judging from the figures alone, the A45's 4.6 seconds century sprint will have no trouble leaving its rivals behind in a straight line race.
The all-wheel drive system is another aspect of the drivetrain that we must give credits to. The hatchback holds onto the road as if it had some sort of suction, and even spirited driving in wet conditions fails to ruffle the hot hatch's poise.
Another part of its array of trickeries include a launch control system which gives you the best sprint off the line. The downside is that the launch process requires more effort than the usual 'brake, floor the throttle, and lift off' - and needs more practice before you can effectively use it to 'smoke' the car on next lane at the lights.
Then, there is the accompanying soundtrack that is synonymous with AMG cars. While it doesn't have the instinctive howl of V8s, the exhaust bellows with enough might to sound off your neighbour every time you get home - as well as to make bystanders turn their heads. And such is the addiction of it that once you get an auditory taste of the A45, it seems that you will never quite get enough of it.
The speed-sensitive steering is another delightful feature. In low speed manoeuvres, it is pleasantly light, requiring little or no effort to pull the car through tight parking sports. And yet, it does not feel overly assisted on the go. That said, it could do with better feedback for a more intuitive drive.
Conclusion
Despite its first attempt at making a hot hatch, Mercedes and its accomplice, AMG, have churned out a deadly concoction of big power in a small shell. The A45 also has a lethal all-wheel traction and other smart trickeries for it to venture close to, but never over its limits.
And while its stablemates may struggle to find meaning with their tauter setup, the A45 makes better sense with the tighter chassis and stiff suspension.
And we reckon it well deserves its title as the hottest hatch - before the next better challenger comes along, that is.
Conclusion
Despite its first attempt at making a hot hatch, Mercedes and its accomplice, AMG, have churned out a deadly concoction of big power in a small shell. The A45 also has a lethal all-wheel traction and other smart trickeries for it to venture close to, but never over its limits.
And while its stablemates may struggle to find meaning with their tauter setup, the A45 makes better sense with the tighter chassis and stiff suspension.
And we reckon it well deserves its title as the hottest hatch - before the next better challenger comes along, that is.
