2019 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC unveiled
New junior German hot hatch to land in Aussie showrooms in the second half of 2019Mercedes-AMG has taken the wraps off a brand new entry-level hot hatch, the A 35 4MATIC.
Following on from an extensive drip feed of information from the car-maker this week, the A 35 4MATIC was unveiled in full overnight and is destined to become a rival for the Volkswagen Golf R and Audi S3.
The initial details don’t disappoint.
Employing a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine good for 225kW and 400Nm, the A 35 drives all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic.
It features optional adaptive dampers, configurable driving settings and a beefy braking package, ensuring “thrilling lateral dynamics at the level of today's A 45," according to AMG boss Tobias Moers.
Straight-line speed is down slightly on the A 35’s older sibling, at 4.7 seconds (versus 4.2 seconds in the outgoing A 45), while top speed is rated at 250km/h.
The A 35 enters production within weeks of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class going on sale in Australia, which is no coincidence. Stakeholders say development of the A 35 was integrated into the development process of the garden-variety model, along with the forthcoming A 45 replacement.
As such, the 2.0-litre is based on the M260 drivetrain already available in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. In A 35 guise, it employs a twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve control, piezo injectors and multi-spark injection to reach peak power from 5800-6100rpm and maximum torque from 3000-4000rpm.
The matching seven-speed automatic purportedly offers sharp shifts and a launch control function, while an automatically-controlled exhaust flap ensures ample noise or refinement depending on which drive setting has been selected.
Five different drive modes are available on the A 35, including a new ‘slippery’ mode configured for smooth changes, earlier upshifts and reduced power and flatter torque curve. There are separate settings within the car’s stability control suite, too.
In Europe, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 will be offered with optional adaptive dampers with three basic modes, while the basic braking package incorporates a 350mm front disc wrapped by four-piston Monoblock brake callipers, and a 330mm rear unit employing a one-piston sliding calliper.
An electro-mechanical steering set-up uses a special rack with variable ratio and two characteristic curves depending on driving mode.
Inside, the A 35 receives a similar layout to the new A-Class, including added voice functionality and premium materials. An AMG-specific steering wheel takes pride of place, working in concert with specific functions such as a data logger for performance timing.
The new A 35 is due to go on sale in Europe from January 2019. Australian deliveries have been slated from the second half of 2019.
2019 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC spec:
Price: $60,000-$70,000 (estimated)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder
Power: 225kW at 5800-6100rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 3000-4000rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, AWD
Fuel use: 7.4L/100km (Europe)
Emissions: 169g/km CO2 (Europe)
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