Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG outed

The first official image of Mercedes-Benz’s all-wheel drive CLA 45 AMG compact sports sedan has been released as part of a videogame preview, which is in development for the upcoming Sony Playstation 4 console.

The unusual reveal shows off a detailed digital version of the new range-topping AMG-tuned CLA-Class variant, which will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine pumping out a whopping 265kW/450Nm.

The CLA 45 AMG will make its public debut at the New York motor show in late March, but it's clear from this preview image the car will be a sleek looker.

The screenshot from the upcoming 'Driveclub' videogame provides a clear view of the car's trapezoidal exhaust outlets, mild rear diffuser and integrated boot lip spoiler.

The car's curvaceous roofline, slim windows and stylised brake lights have clear design links with the CLA’s bigger brother, the CLS-Class, however, the CLA's smaller size and lower price will guarantee it's a more popular vehicle.

A pair of front-wheel drive CLA-Class models - the CLA 200 petrol and CLA 200 CDI diesel - will arrive in Australian showrooms around August this year priced above $50,000, followed by the '4MATIC' all-wheel drive CLA 45 AMG in 2014.

All models will be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch 7G-DCT transmission as standard.

Mercedes-Benz says the 2.0-litre range-topping AMG-fettled engine is the "world's most powerful four-cylinder power unit in series production" and will also be offered in the hard-charging A-Class halo model, the A 45 AMG.

The fire-breathing AMG-tuned A-Class hatch will make its global debut at the Geneva motor show in a few weeks, ahead of its Australian arrival in October this year.

The new A 250 Sport has already been launched to the media in Australia to positive review, and will be officially released alongside other entry-level A-Class models on March 1.

Based on the same new MFA platform as the B-Class, the new A- and CLA-Class models will be marketed to younger, first-time Mercedes buyers as rivals for vehicles such as the BMW 1 and 2 Series.

With pricing for the A-Class starting at under $36,000 – making it the most affordable new Benz yet - the German importer expects the arrival of the smallest AMG models to boost already strong AMG sales.

Mercedes expects the A 45 AMG alone to double its annual AMG sales and more than half of all A-Class pre-orders have come from new customers to the brand.

The Stuttgart-based company isn't sitting still either, with plans to expand its growing small car range with a wagon or 'shooting brake' version of the CLA as well as a crossover in the form of the upcoming GLA baby SUV, which is due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt show in September before arriving here next year.

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