THE Mercedes-AMG family tree is sprouting new shoots faster than the Australian outback after a big wet.

With the CLA45 Shooting Brake filling a gap in the market for a hunkered-down, fire-breathing part wagon, part coupe with four cylinders, four driven wheels, five seats and one big turbo, it is safe to say the boffins at Affalterbach have all bases covered.

Its Australian arrival in June this year brought the number of AMG-fettled compact Mercedes models to four, following the A45 hatch, CLA45 sedan and GLA45 AMG. All provide unfeasible levels of rambunctious performance and track-ready sportscar credibility.

As the most expensive of the four baby AMGs, the Shooting Brake should by rights be the best. We spent a week with one to find out.



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