Mercedes-AMG shows more of A35 hot hatch

Mercedes-AMG has continued to drip-feed images overnight of its forthcoming entry-level A35 that will see the German performance brand go head-to-head with cars like the VW Golf R and Audi S3.

Mirroring its approach on the C- and E-Class with its '43' and full-fat '63' strategy, AMG has yet to reveal how much power the A35 is set to offer.

A safe bet is the performance division will replicate what it has done with the previous-generation A45 and outgun its rivals.

Likely to pack a detuned version of the A45's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, it's understood the A35 will produce around 240kW and 400Nm of torque.

Combined with a seven-speed dual clutch auto and all-wheel drive, expect a 0-100km/h time of less than 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h.

That level of performance appears to be reflected by the wild body kit previewed in the latest images of the A35.

Featuring some serious aerodynamic tweaks over the standard hatch, the A35 gets a new front splitter, redesigned rear bumper that features a huge rear diffuser, large dual exit tailpipes and an enormous rear wing.

It all begs the question, how much visual punch the flagship A45 will pack when it arrives in the A-Class range.

The answer will be plenty because to distance itself from the lesser AMG sibling the German hyper hatch will boast well in excess of 300kW.

This should see the Audi RS3-fighter hit 100km/h in around 3.5 seconds.

Mercedes-AMG is expected to reveal the A35 in full ahead of the hot hatch's official public debut at the Paris motor show next month.