Mercedes-AMG confirms A35 hot hatch coming

Mercedes-AMG has teased pictures of the A35 hatchback rumoured to go on sale in Europe as soon as next month.

Overnight, the German car-maker tweeted photos of a front headlamp, AMG-branded kick plate and, of most interest, a rear tailgate that carries 'A35' badging confirming a baby AMG model is in the works.

Set to be unveiled at the Paris motor show early next month, Mercedes hasn't revealed any more information but it's thought the natural rival for cars like the Audi S3 will be available as both a sedan and hatch.

Thought to come powered by a de-tuned version of the former A45 AMG's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, it's understood the hot hatch will out-power the small Audi and come with about 240kW and 400Nm of torque.

Combined with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic the flagship A-Class (until the A45 arrives) is thought to come with all-wheel drive enabling a 0-100km/h time of less than 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h.

Those figures aren't that far off the last A45 but Mercedes-AMG won't be too worried because the next A45 is expected to produce well in excess of 300kW and lead the hyper hot hatch for power and performance.

Meanwhile, we expect the German car-maker to continue to tease its hot hatch ahead of its Paris debut.