The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT seven-speed
transmission features three transmission modes, as well as a double-declutching
function and RACE START derived from the same software used in the SLS AMG GT
(Borrowing from bigger brothers).
A performance-oriented version of Mercedes’
4 Matic all-wheel-drive system underpins the A45. This lightweight unit is
capable of apportioning drive from the front wheels under normal driving
scenarios to a 50 per cent front-rear split when driven more aggressively.
Bluetooth
connectivity and a USB socket are included as standard
As with all AMG’s, the A45’s three-stage
Electronic Stability Program allows the driver to tailor its intervention from
“ESP ON” to the more dynamically engaging “SPORT HANDLING MODE” and the
unfettered “ESP OFF” setting.
One of the most oft-encountered symptoms of
applying an all-wheel drivetrain to a powerful car is a tendency to understeer,
and the engineers at AMG were mindful of this trait when developing the A45’s
drivetrain. The solution is the ESP system’s Curve Dynamic Assist. Under hard
cornering, this system applies imperceptible braking to the rear-inside wheel
to tighten the car’s cornering line and resist the nose pushing out.
It
feels quite tight around your shoulders and head, but there's room enough once
you're on board
An AMG-tuned, speed-sensitive
electromechanical steering setup aids the A45’s sharp turn-in, while stopping
power is provided by a high-performance braking system with ventilated and
perforated brake discs measuring 350 x 32 mm (front) and 330 x 22 mm (rear).
Over and above the A45’s lowered and
stiffened suspension, a high-performance suspension system that combines a
three-link front configuration with a four-link setup at the rear is also
offered. Here, the front suspension ensures more stability in the corners and
more precise and direct feedback from the road surface, while the rear one
delivers maximum driving dynamics and control.
The
shape of the hatchback opening limits loading width slightly
If Looks Could Thrill
The A45 AMG adds a more muscular and
purposeful air to the already-striking A-Class, especially with the optional
Edition 1 styling pack. Here, the frontal aspect is characterised by such
features as a red frame around the AMG twin-blade radiator grille flanked by
bi-xenon headlamps (standard on the A45 AMG) with red surrounds and striking
black flics surrounding the lower air dams on the front splitter.
In profile, chromed “TURBO AMG” lettering and
more pronounced wheel arches set the A45 apart from other A-Classes, while the
Edition 1 package features multi-spoke lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels and
matte-graphite side-skirt inlays that contrast with the flowing character
lines. The AMG aerofoil and rear apron with its diffuser punctuated by
rectangular chrome-plated tailpipes hint at the power that lies beneath.
Powering
the A45 AMG 4 Matic is a new turbopetrol 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine
The exterior’s purposeful styling is
reflected in the cabin, where sports seats with contrasting topstitching, red
seatbelts and air-vent finishers, carbon-fibre facia trim, AMG gear shifter and
multifunction instrument cluster with RACETIMER are just some highlights.
In many respects the A45 AMG is a much-welcomed
salve to the usual pains that accompany downsizing in the performance segment.
If scaling down can still bring forth automotive superlatives, it’s fair to say
that the future is looking bright at AMG.
