Paris, Munich, Tokyo Or Stuttgart?
Mercedes-AMG has added another model to its A-Class family: the new AMG built A35 hot hatch. This car is all about point to point performance with engine and handling grunt to entertain at every engine ignition.
At the moment it has just three real rivals in Malaysia, which is the Renault Megane R.S that is powered by a 1.8-litre direct injection turbo engine. This car has a power output of 280hp at 6,000rpm and a peak torque of 390Nm available from 2,400 to 4,800rpm. It will accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds and is priced from RM279,888.00.
Lets not forget the Honda Civic Type R with a manual gearbox which delivers 310PS and 400Nm of torque and this translates to a 0-100km/h time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 272km/h. It looks every bit a track ready car and is priced at RM330,002.
Then there is the 3rd generation BMW 1 Series (the M135i xDrive). This latest BMW hot hatch uses BMW’s most powerful inline 4 2.0-litre B48A20 engine. It delivers 302hp between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm and 450Nm of torque between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. It takes just 4.8 seconds to go from 0-100km/h and has a top speed of 250km/h. Priced from RM355,646.25, it is RM24,000 cheaper than this Mercedes-AMG 35 which costs RM379,888.
The latest Volkswagen Golf GTi has not yet arrived and so, for the time being we only have the above three contenders for this segment.
AMG Looks
This Mercedes comes with a hot hatch design with clear sports car genes. The AMG-specific radiator grille with its twin louvre, the AMG Line front apron as well, the rear top spoiler to keep its handling in check and a wide under bumper air-flow kit are among the distinguishing features of this hot hatch. Adding to this enlightening package is purpose designed 19-inch AMG wheels with a multi-spoke design for easy cleaning which is finished in a unique gold-tinted shade called Tech Gold.
Inside the cabin you get firm, torso hugging electric powered race seats. Rear comfort is great for 2 adults and adequate for 3 adults with ample legroom. The AMG steering wheel dressed in Nappa leather provides a nice feel and it is very responsive to your palm inputs. Entertainment comes from a very decent sound system, but is seldom enjoyed with the AMG engine singing a better tune.
Three AMG display styles
The driver can choose between three AMG display styles for the instrument cluster. The Supersport mode is particularly striking with a central, round rev counter and additional information presented in the form of bars to the left and right of the rev counter: with a three-dimensional perspective, they reach far into the background to an artificial horizon. Via the AMG menu, the driver can call up various special displays such as Warm-up, Set-up, G-Force and Engine Data.
Touchscreen multimedia display and new centre console
The touchscreen multimedia display also emphasises the dynamic character with individual AMG displays such as visualisation of the driving programs, AMG TRACK PACE and telemetry data. The AMG-specific centre console in piano lacquer finish with standard touchpad has additional buttons that control the functions ESP®, manual transmission mode and Adaptive Damping System. In conjunction with the optional leather package, it features a silver chrome surround.
And needless to say, the A 35 4MATIC also comes with trailblazing voice control, activated with the words “Hey Mercedes”. Thanks to artificial intelligence, MBUX recognises and understands nearly all sentences from the fields of infotainment and vehicle operation, even if they are expressed indirectly.
Extremely agile 2.0L turbocharged engine
With a maximum output of 306hp and 400Nm of torque, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 is among the most powerful cars in its segment. Acceleration time from standstill to 100km/h is achieved in just 4.7 seconds with the 7G-DCT working very quick and seamlessly.
The extremely agile AMG 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine blends thrilling performance from ignition.
On the road the turbocharged AMG 2.0L four-cylinder engine thrills with extremely fast responses to accelerator movements, high torque, enormous flexibility and an emotional engine note at every gear-change. The power is delivered seamlessly quick and with no hesitation right up to 200km/h (we did not go faster due to lack of available tarmac). The exhaust system entertains from the mild idle rumble to the ‘barking’ at every gear-change at full throttle.
AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive
For optimum traction even in poor road surface conditions, the standard all-wheel drive AMG Performance 4MATICsystem transfers the drive power to all wheels. The torque is variably distributed to the front and rear axle. This configuration results in an optimum ratio of sportiness, efficiency and traction to match the driving situation. A multiple-disc clutch integrated in the rear axle differential with AMG-specific control passes on the engine torque to the rear wheels should the front wheels lose traction. The spectrum ranges from purely front-wheel drive to a 50:50 ratio for the front and rear wheels.
AMG Ownership
This Mercedes has only one colour available which is this metallic denim blue. As an Edition 1 model, it gets added bits like highlight decals in the Tech Gold colour shade as its wheels. The contrast cues adorn the exterior mirror caps and the lower part of the doors.
This fully-imported Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic is priced at RM379,888 on-the-road without insurance, which is about RM31,000 more than its sedan version. It is worth the extra Ringgit? We say get the sedan instead as we can’t see why you need to spend the extra RM31k. However, if money is no issue, then why not.
Mercedes AMG A35 4MATIC Specifications
Engine: 4-cylinder inline engine Turbocharged
Capacity: 1991cc
Transmission: 7G-speed DCT automatic
Max Power: 306bhp at 5800-6100rpm
Max Torque: 400Nm at 3000-4000rpm
0-100km/h: 4.7seconds
Top speed: 250km/h Restricted
Price: RM379,888.00
