SPY PICS: Benz A 45 chases Audi RS3

Mercedes-Benz is going gangbusters with its entire AMG range in Australia right now, and nowhere more forcefully than with the A-Series based A 45 hatch and CLA 45 four-door coupe versions.

Now it appears an update is forthcoming, largely driven by the perceived need at Benz to out-gun the staggering new Audi RS3 that thumps out 270kW to make it the most potent car in the category.

Word is that Mercedes will bump the power from the current version's 265kW to something like 280kW, 10kW ahead of the Audi. It has been suggested this should trim 0-100km/h acceleration from 4.6 seconds to 4.5 seconds – although that may not be enough to out-do the RS3, which has been quoted at as low as 4.3 seconds.

Some reports are suggesting Benz is undertaking a weight reduction programme for the A 45 as well, so this could work in its favour against the Audi in terms of power-weight ratios.

These Automedia pictures of a disguised A 45 snapped recently indicate the visual changes will be subtle, with external focus on the easy bits: The plastic front and rear bumpers, as well as head and tail lights.

The test mule appears to be sporting a deeper, bolder front bumper assembly but the reality sitting underneath is unlikely to be much more than a slight re-shaping of the air intakes and profile details.

And although it's hard to be definitive, the headlight lenses, although fitting within the same framework as the current car, also appear to be new.

The spy pics give even less away at the rear end, although we'd be surprised if similar fiddling with light lenses and bumper profiles wasn't on the agenda.

Perhaps of equal importance, the A 45's interior is expected to benefit from a refresh as well, although it too is likely to be given only a subtle brush-over.

The up-powered A 45 is expected to debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.