Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG
The CLA45 AMG's 360hp makes it more powerful than an entry-level Porsche 911 – with the added benefit of two extra doors and a 470-litre boot. Porsche-taming pace in a car that's almost as practical as a C-Class – nice. It will accelerate to 62mph (approx. 100kmh) in around 4.5 seconds and go on to reach an electronically limited top speed of 155mph (approx. 250kmh).
The 4Matic four-wheel drive directs up to 50% of the car's power to the back axle, with the new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission re-engineered to cope with the car's brutal power. Naturally the brakes, steering and suspension have all received upgrades from the wizards at AMG.
Prices have yet to be announced but are likely to be knocking on the door of £40,000 (approx. $60,660) when the car goes on sale later this year. That's likely to be an additional premium of £3k to £4k (approx. $4.5k-6.7k)over the A45 AMG.
In many ways the CLA45 AMG will share the same rivals as the A45 hatchback – namely the likes of the VW Golf R, Audi RS3 Sportback and – perhaps chiefly – the BMW M135i.
It will undoubtedly have the power and headline figures to take them on, but it will also need the necessary finesse and sophistication to make it the finished article.
When was the last time you got excited about a compact saloon – even one masquerading as a coupe? We're scratching our heads here.
Subjectively it looks better than the A45 AMG and on paper at least it presents itself as a formidable talent. We can't wait to give it a try.
If you thought the latest Mercedes A-Class was a radical departure from its upright and conservative predecessors, just wait until you clap eyes on the CLA45 AMG.
Already wowing us at the Geneva Motor Show with the A45 AMG, we're now being treated to a hot version of the new CLA compact four-door coupe. Power comes from a 360hp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, with 4Matic four-wheel drive helping to ensure it sticks to the road.
The 4Matic four-wheel drive directs up to 50% of the car's power to the back axle, with the new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission re-engineered to cope with the car's brutal power. Naturally the brakes, steering and suspension have all received upgrades from the wizards at AMG.
Prices have yet to be announced but are likely to be knocking on the door of £40,000 (approx. $60,660) when the car goes on sale later this year. That's likely to be an additional premium of £3k to £4k (approx. $4.5k-6.7k)over the A45 AMG.
In many ways the CLA45 AMG will share the same rivals as the A45 hatchback – namely the likes of the VW Golf R, Audi RS3 Sportback and – perhaps chiefly – the BMW M135i.
It will undoubtedly have the power and headline figures to take them on, but it will also need the necessary finesse and sophistication to make it the finished article.
When was the last time you got excited about a compact saloon – even one masquerading as a coupe? We're scratching our heads here.
Subjectively it looks better than the A45 AMG and on paper at least it presents itself as a formidable talent. We can't wait to give it a try.
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