First details: Mercedes A45 AMG hot-hatch

Mercedes-Benz has released the first official details of its pint-sized A45 AMG hatchback, which will take the fight to the likes of the Audi RS3 and BMW M135i when it goes on sale internationally in early 2013.

The baby Benz blaster, which is confirmed for Australia, will derive propulsion from a worked-over version of Merc’s 2.0-litre turbo engine with more than 400Nm of torque on tap, making it the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever offered in a road car wearing the three-pointed star. UK magazine Autocar has revealed the power figure for the A45 will be 246kW; Benz itself has been coy about that. Sources have indicated the A45 will produce 177bhp/litre, which places the AMG ahead of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS on 171bhp/litre.

The extra oomph was reportedly yielded via a free-flow cylinder head and bespoke induction system, among other mods developed in conjunction with Merc’s High Performance Engine (HPE) division, which is based in the UK.

“Our goal right from the start was to match the output of the larger turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine used by the RS3,” AMG development boss Tobias Moers was quoted as saying by Autocar.

The 2.0-litre four-pot’s ample grunt is channeled to all four wheels by a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and Haldex-style multi-plate clutch. Crucially, the system sends drive predominantly to the rear wheels, so it promises to be a genuine driver’s delight (a description that applies to virtually all of AMG’s recent offerings).

Although no official performance figures are as yet available, Mercedes insiders revealed to Autocar that the A45 AMG would match the BMW M135i in a sprint from 0-100km/h (the BeeEm knocks off the increment in 5.1sec with a six-speed manual gearbox).

And in a nod to the green brigade, the Benz blaster will feature auto stop/start and brake energy recuperation, allegedly making it the most frugal contender in the hot-hatch category.

An AMG insider also suggested to Autocar that the A45 would offer “the highest corner speeds among its rivals”, thanks to measures such as unique bushes, wider tracks, stiffer springs and dampers and larger diameter anti-roll bars.

The electro-mechanical steering system has reportedly been tweaked for a meatier feel, while stopping power is upgraded via large cross-drilled and ventilated discs with beefed-up calipers, all modulated through AMG's three-stage ESP incorporating 'sport handling' mode.

Visually, the AMG model stands apart from the bogger A-Class via a body kit that includes a more aggressive front bumper/spoiler, bespoke grille, flared front guards, door-sill extensions and carbonfibre-look mirror housings. The rear end reportedly scores a large spoiler, a bumper diffuser and chromed tailpipes.

Named in honour of the 45 years of AMG's continuous operation, the A45 AMG targets a new group of buyers for the company. Ranging in age between 30 and 45, they are younger than the typical AMG owner and are described in the press material for the car as "professionally successful and independent", looking for "a compact, dynamic and individual vehicle" from "a recognised performance brand".

The local situation is shaping up to be a little different, according to Manager of Corporate Communications for Mercedes-Benz Australia, Jerry Stamoulis. Local buyers for the A45 are just as likely to be Benz owners already, although he also acknowledged the A45 might attract buyers from other brands.

"We certainly think there will be current Mercedes-Benz customers wanting a sportier drive in that price bracket under $100,000. So there will be some current Mercedes-Benz customers wanting that performance car, but certainly, it will attract buyers from different brands, without a doubt."

According to Mr Stamoulis, the A45 AMG will find its own niche in the local market — with little in the way of direct competition — and will deliver the AMG attributes for those who have not previously had the budget to spare for one of Affalterbach's products.

"To be able to get into an AMG, let's say under $100,000, which gives the opportunity for people to experience the AMG DNA — that's where I'm saying it will be competitive," he told motoring.com.au this morning.

Supply of the A45 is very likely to fall short of demand when the car arrives, around six months after the standard A-Class reaches local shores.

"The standard A-Class will go on sale [here]... quarter one next year. We're hoping the A45 will arrive... quarter four, next year," said Mr Stamoulis.

"Initially [supply] will be tight... because the enquiry we've had on the standard A-Class has been higher than any other model, considering the car arrives in March next year. The enquiry that we've had is very new to us, it's quite high. So the AMG should continue that."

The Benz exec's view that the A45 will sell out in very short order is based on the strong AMG following in Australia — and the hot-shoe A-Class will likely fall into line with that interest.

"Let's not forget how strong the AMG brand is in Australia. We see [A45] continuing that momentum.

"Ola Källenius [AMG chairman] skirted around it at Geneva, but one thing that the guys from AMG have told us — because we're yet to drive the car — they said: 'rest assured, this will be an AMG, regardless of cylinders and which wheels are driven'."

— with staff