Mercedes pumps performance of A45 AMG

MERCEDES-BENZ has stretched just 2.0-litres and four cylinders even further with a power and torque increase accompanying a mid-life refresh for its highly-strung A45 AMG hatchback.

With the performance upgrade, the turbocharged engine now kicks out an extra 15kW of power and 25Nm of torque, taking the grand total to 280kW and 475Nm.

The tune up has scrubbed 0.4 seconds from the A45’s zero to 100km acceleration which now stands at 4.2 seconds, but fuel consumption sits at 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres when driven more sedately.

In addition to the power-upgrade, the German car-maker has also treated the baby AMG to a styling refresh at either end, which incorporates a new 19-inch alloy wheel option and a new rear race-car-like diffuser which improves aerodynamics at speed. The optional aero bodykit of the previous version is still available.

All four wheels are still driven thanks to the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, but the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has been “optimised” which is partly responsible for the increased acceleration.

On the front axle, the A45’s differential now has a lock allowing greater traction on loose surfaces and when pushing harder in corners, while a new AMG Dynamic Plus package replaces the previous standard AMG Dynamic switchable driving modes.

AMG Ride Control is also standard on the revised model and allows drivers wanting to use the car day-to-day, a softer, more comfortable ride.

Speaking with Australian media in Germany last week at the launch of the GLE and GLE Coupe twins, AMG compact car product manager Matthias Schmidt said the system was added following customer demand.

“It’s not too stiff,” he said. “I want to have the choice. Sporty or comfortable, that’s what they said.”“They were all fine with the suspension but there were some customers who want to have the opportunity to go on the track with it, and have the more comfortable suspension.

“With the adaptive suspension we now have a wider range that we can offer because the Sports mode is almost as dynamic (as) suspension that we offer optionally, which is 20 per cent stiffer than standard.

“The comfort mode is more comfortable than today. We offer a wide range with our suspension. It’s pretty cool.”

With its new boosted output, the turbocharged engine secures its title as the world’s most potent four-cylinder motor.

Mercedes will show off the new look A45 AMG at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom this weekend.

Exact pricing and full details are expected ahead of the official Australian arrival later this year.

Following the launch of the original A45, customers wanting a piece of the Mercedes hot-hatch action were asked to wait up to six months such was the popularity, and the A-Class-based variant continues to attract a large following.