Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 2020 Review – International

It might fall under the category of a hot hatch, but there is much more to the new Mercedes-AMG A 45 S than meets the eye.

A cursory peek through recent performance annals reveals the baby AMG boasts more power than a Ferrari 360 or homegrown Holden Commodore SS, a ‘drift mode’ function seen in some $200,000 performance cars and a cult following more befitting of an exotic supercar.

By rights, the second-generation A 45 S has created its own segment niche: the premium hyper-hatch -- a title it wears proudly, though perhaps not loudly (more on that shortly).

Arriving in Australian showrooms in early 2020 as a rival to the Audi RS 3, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S is set to start at about $90,000, with Australian cars to be offered again in a solitary ‘S’ grade.

The newcomer is easily distinguishable from its immediate predecessor, the original A 45 first introduced in 2013. AMG’s Panamericana grille proudly adorns a more muscular front-end with wider, flared wheel-arches, a bonnet buldge and ‘jet wing’ canards, while at the rear there are twin 90mm exhaust outlets, two-piece tail-light clusters and an integrated diffuser.

A record-breaking engine is the big headline grabber. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol mill is said to be the most powerful four-cylinder in series production, offering 2.1 bar of boost pressure and water injection for its twin-scroll turbocharger.

With outputs of 310kW and 500Nm, the four-pot is a tied to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, bringing a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 3.9 seconds and a top governed speed of 270km/h.

The supporting modifications over and above the A-Class donor car are equally well considered. The suspension retains the same MacPherson strut front and four-link rear design, but the AMG-version adds a wider front track and bespoke front axle carrier with unique geometry and reduced unsprung mass. The A 45 S will be suspended by AMG Ride Control adaptive damping in Oz.

A stiffer body shell wrought by an aluminium plate bolted beneath the engine and a strut brace between the front suspension towers pairs with a reengineered steering rack with variable ratio and two different software maps.

The A 45 S rides on staggered 19-inch wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber -- at least at the international launch -- wrapping mammoth 360mm front and 330mm rear discs, with red painted six-pot front and one-pot rear callipers.

The best kind of validation for the progress of the new Mercedes-AMG A 45 S comes on circuit, the former Jarama F1 layout north of Madrid.

The second-iteration A 45 quickly disproves the theory that a fundamentally front-driven hatch is one-dimensional, performing lurid power slides and enamouring with its playful chassis and brilliant drivetrain. Moreover, its engine defies arguments from some enthusiasts who say only milk and juice should come in two-litre packaging.

Jarama’s 3.8km blacktop hasn’t been used on the F1 calendar for decades because it’s deemed too tight, however, the layout is perfectly suited to the A 45’s nimble characteristics.

First, the engine, which is accessible, punchy and an absolute riot all at once, thanks to the low-down drive, sharp-footed eight-speed automatic and linear power curve.

Out of tighter corners at Jarama, the 2.0-litre pulls emphatically, the rear Michelins providing some input with forward progress when required, before transitioning into a punchy mid-range and perky upper end, topping out at 7200rpm.

The all-wheel drive system isn’t capable of sending 100 per cent drive to the rears, and the A 45 S is still afflicted by torque steer under heady acceleration, so it never feels truly rear-wheel drive.

But there is little to argue with as the diminutive hatch punches cleanly out of Jarama’s final corner before exceeding 225km/h down the main shoot.

Less emphatic is the A 45 S’ new exhaust note. Hamstrung by tightening sound regulations in Europe, Mercedes-AMG engineers were forced to turn the volume down on the latest example.

As a result, even in the sportiest RACE setting, the pop and crackle is there but it’s faint, while the cabin noise is partly augmented by sound piped through the speakers.

No matter, at least not when you begin playing with the various switchgear to uncover the Mercedes-AMG’s other hidden gem: Drift mode. Making use of two multi-disc clutches on the rear axle -- one for each wheel -- the system works in much the same way as the that in the Ford Focus RS, spinning up the outside tyre to transform the A 45 S into a tyre-frying monster.

The result, on circuit, is convincing. Pushing aggressively through a bout of understeer to swing the tail wide, the system proceeds to smoke all four tyres in an easy, stress-free motion. The caveat is the system requires a big arc to do its work, so a closed road or race circuit are the best accomplices.

From there, right foot planted, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S gently works its way out of the sideways movement and resumes forward progress.

There is an natural lightness borne from the A 45 S’ dimensions and its fast-thinking engine. It exhibits impressive levels of composure and stability at speed, holding a tight line through corners and offering decent levels of mechanical grip.

An inherent front-drive feel carries over from the predecessor, but drive it as intended and it’s possible to build some serious pace.

With all systems switched off, there is an inherent playfulness in the chassis, a readability that makes massive yaw moments feel relatively controlled. If the thought of driving a hot hatch on circuit doesn’t whet your appetite, the A 45 S could well change your perception.

The backroads of northern Madrid is where the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S really seals the deal.

On tighter, Armco-lined mountain roads where the sense of speed is accentuated, the mini-Merc really comes to the fore with excellent electronic parameters, predictable responses and, of course, its emphatic drivetrain combination.

The steering is well weighted and accurate, quickly imparting an ease of use in road driving. It doesn’t quite engage the driver as well as it could in terms of feel and feedback, but is effective nonetheless.

One minor gripe – it is not possible to isolate steering and suspension settings in the drive settings. So if you want your suspension firm, the steering will automatically adopt a heavier bent too.

Thankfully, the engine is largely devoid of the elastic power curve that afflicted the original A 45, trading in those characteristics for a smoother, more linear power curve and a gearbox that is decidedly smoother with its shifts in all situations.

Road noise is still prominent, and the low-speed ride is prone to jiggling and firmness, but an upmarket interior, added safety and improved comfort underlines how far AMG’s smallest export has come. Interior and boot space is par for the course in this segment, and inclusions are also befitting of a typical hot hatch.

Where the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S really comes into its own is performance. Until the new Audi RS 3 Sportback hits the scene, it appears Mercedes-AMG has reclaimed the premium hyper-hatch crown.

How much does the 2019 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S cost?
Price: $87,000 plus on-road costs (estimated)
Available: Early 2020
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 310kW/500Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 8.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 192g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not yet tested