RE: AMG A-Class: First details of A45 AMG revealed

[Ed.]

Not a fan of the looks but its a mini mpv thing, 330 hp from 2l wheel be interesting from normally conservative Mercedes.

[Gizmoish]

Coming to the carpark of a fried chicken emporium near you.

[kambites]

Shame they didn't build the new A-class on a cut-down C-class platform. The transverse engine mounted in front of the front wheels probably doesn't bode well for handling.

I know it's not that unusual these days, but I'm not entirely convinced that 330bhp from a 2.0 is a very good idea, either.

[MissChief]

Sigh. more 'it's not RWD therefore it's crap, but I haven't even sat in it yet' claptrap.

[Stew2000]

So the 45 means 4 cylinder 5 seater?
I was expecting a ridiculous 4.5L too.

[Merp]

I've not quite grasped where the 45 has come from yet?!

Its a lovely looking car, the side profile looks like the 1 series and the rear end looks slightly Impreza/Leon'ish.

I saw the concept car at the bullring shopping centre,b'ham which proportionally looked great. Front end is gorgeous.

Shame I dont have £32k...or the rest upon release.

[soad]

mat205125 said:

A four cylinder AMG car with a smaller engine than its direct german rivals?

What has the world come to?

But has enough bhp though. Still, more cylinders = better engine note.

[danyeates]

Nice! Doesn't look very Mercedes-like though, does it? Does look good though. Bit of Kia and Hyundai, even Citroen in the styling.

I'd probably opt for the BMW though if I was lucky enough to have that much to spend on a new hatch.

[soad]

danyeates said:

Nice! Doesn't look very Mercedes-like though, does it? Does look good though. Bit of Kia and Hyundai, even Citroen in the styling.

True.

[Mark Wibble]

Why are people slating the fact that it's only a 4-pot?! Whacking a stonking V8 in everything is a bit unimaginative IMHO. Horses for courses and all that.

Getting a usable and reliable 300bhp+ out of a 2L engine has got to be a good thing for the masses, I think AMG are just showing people how it can be done.

[btdk5]

MissChief said:

Sigh. more 'it's not RWD therefore it's crap, but I haven't even sat in it yet' claptrap.

Has anyone actually said that yet??

[thejudderman]

soad said:

But has enough bhp though. Still, more cylinders = better engine note.

Would be interesting to se a manufacturer do a high power 2.0l, 3 cylinder turbo in these eco friendly times, just to get some of the sound back into performance motoring.... or perhaps an inline four with a crossplane crank like the current Yamaha R1; anything slightly left field to create an interesting noise, but keep the running costs (and eco crowd) happy.

Edited by thejudderman on Wednesday 13th June 13:35

[kambites]

With modern NVH and the tendency to use the speakers to produce the engine note anyway, for how long will the number of cylinders matter at all?

[Bladedancer]

All the pensioners will be able to get to the shops real fast now.

[AdamPT]

CraigyMc said:

AdamPT said:

given a choice of the 3, I think the beemer wins for me. Combo of 6 cylinders, rear wheel drive and looks (which I like despite general consensus). But AMG a welcome addition to this sector.

So without having ever sat in the Merc you've written it off already?

Hmmm.....I haven't sat in the Audi or Beemer eaither so actually my opinion is based purely on stats and visuals, which I am sure you will agree is my right? And no, I haven't written anything off, I just said what I thought would be my favourite. Derrrrrrr

[Ali_T]

kambites said:

Shame they didn't build the new A-class on a cut-down C-class platform. The transverse engine mounted in front of the front wheels probably doesn't bode well for handling.

I know it's not that unusual these days, but I'm not entirely convinced that 330bhp from a 2.0 is a very good idea, either.

I have both of your criticisms in my current car. Handles pretty well I'm told. But will it be £32k? Not a chance. Same spec on an Evo X is £35k and, much as I like mine, the interior plastics last saw service in an Airfix kit (which is slightly better than the recycled coffee cups parts of the STi were made from) so the Merc will either be recycled cardboard or cost more. If it is£32k, sign me up.

[urquattroGus]

This is looking good, will be replacing my Focus RS next year, and want something a little quicker but also more refined and with all the toys.

Looking forward to testing the M135i, this AMG and maybe a newer RS3? Should be spoilt for choice!

[SuperBaaaad]

Owlwood said:

StottyZr said:

To be fair it is 4WD with a twin clutch gearbox and 0-60 in under 5seconds. I don't think £32k is particularly expensive, especially when you compare to the RS3.

Hmmm, don't think he was saying it was too expensive. I think he meant that it will probably cost more thatn 32K when it eventually goes on sale...

Agreed. I reckon it'll be £40k + £5-10k of options, so £48k specced up. Watch this space.

[shoestring7]

Is it another 1600kg hatchback?

SS7

[AdamPT]

urquattroGus said:

This is looking good, will be replacing my Focus RS next year, and want something a little quicker but also more refined and with all the toys.

Looking forward to testing the M135i, this AMG and maybe a newer RS3? Should be spoilt for choice!

I am sure it will be an enjoyable exercise in chosing the right one for you. Enjoy!