SPY PICS: Mercedes-AMG A 35 given the boot

If the Mercedes-Benz AMG A 45 hot hatch was too much for you, the German hot-shop will soon release an ever-so-slightly constrained AMG A 35 version of the new A-Class hatch.

Though its 225kW/400Nm 2.0-litre engine produces 55kW and 75Nm less than the outgoing A 45, it remains a hard-charger that is capable of dispensing with the zero to 100km/h sprint in a boisterous 4.7 seconds.

Fitted with standard seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the AMG A 35 backs up its engine performance with grippy, all-weather handling.

And, as you can see from these spy shots, soon there will be a four-door sedan version of the AMG A 35 hatch, which adds a greater sense of refinement while still producing the same balance of performance and handling/road holding.

The spy photos show the AMG A 35 sedan will carry over the styling tweaks of the hatch version, with heavyweight venting in the front apron, a similarly-reworked rear-end with dual tailpipes and a central aero splitter. The test mule rides on low-profile tyres and 18-inch alloy wheels, through which can be spotted large, drilled disc brake rotors.

With the Mercedes-Benz AMG A 35 hatch only just introduced to Europe, the sedan version is not expected to follow up until some time in 2019.

And, as the hatch is destined to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2019, it's reasonable to expect the AMG A 35 sedan will not make it here before 2020.

As for the upcoming next-gen AMG A 45, it is expected to gain a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission and output around 300kW – about 20kW more than the current version – with the help of a mild-hybrid system. Zero to 100km/h times of just four seconds are predicted.

Introduction dates for the new Mercedes-AMG A 45 hot hatch -- which may also emerge in sedan form for the first time -- are currently uncertain.