Ask us to name the best production hatchback we’ve driven and the answer is simple: the A45 AMG Mercedes-Benz.
Now there’s good news from Germany with first details of the updated 2016 A-Class range naturally headlined by the latest Mercedes-AMG A 45.
And headlining the A 45 is extra grunt under the bonnet – up by 15kW to 280kW and 25Nm to 475Nm making this the world’s most powerful hatchback.
‘Benz says the updated A 45 covers zero to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds.
Changes too for the suspension and transmission.
And look for a new nomenclature with diesel models now identified by a ‘d’ (like A220d) rather than Benz’ previous CDI badge.
Across the range are styling changes inside and out.
Inside there’s a larger infotainment screen and the debut of Apple CarPlay and Mirrorlink systems for smartphones.
Underneath all models score the Mercedes-Benz ‘Dynamic Select’ system with driver-select settings (‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, and ‘Eco’) for the engine/transmission/suspension package.
And there’s a new petrol entry level model in the form of the 75kW A160 model.
We’ll have to wait for Mercedes-Benz Australia to conclude negotiations with head office before we learn local prices and specifications.
