The Mercedes-AMG A45 S is an example of a hot hatch

To this day, the fire blankets section (or sports blankets, if you prefer) is a huge gateway for sports enthusiasts. It is the cheapest category to buy, maintain and even live with. But they are no longer just entry-level sports cars which, fortunately, are hatchbacks. And that’s the case with the Mercedes-AMG A45 S.

At BRL 574,900, it’s definitely not a cheap car. But, considering the more powerful versions of Mercedes-AMG, he is the gateway. What does it mean to be under sports? Only if you are a master pilot. Because this mid-size hatch has real AMG spirit, even if its roar is no more exciting than that of a Fiat Pulse Abarth.

The most powerful 4 cylinders in the world

The big star of the A45 AMG is its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. And a real sports car doesn’t need a bunch of cylinders to impress. Mainly because the Mercedes hatch has the most powerful 4-cylinder engine in history. And also the most powerful 2.0 currently sold in the world – except, of course, hybrid models.

São 421 cv e 51 kgfm de torque – potência e torque suficientes para o colocar muito próximo ao Porsche Macan GTS. O SUV alemão tem motor V6 2.9 turbo com 440 cv e 56,1 kgfm. Claro, são 19 cv e 5,1 kgfm de torque a mais, só que é um 2.0 quatro cilindros contra um 2.9 V6. Deu para entender o quão impressionante esse motor da Mercedes é?

Aliado a uma transmissão automatizada de dupla embreagem com oito marchas e tração integral 4MATIC+, o A45 AMG S acelera de 0 a 100 km/h em ridículos 3,9 segundos. Tem muito esportivo de elite que fica para trás desse hatch amarelo. E o melhor é que ele faz isso com um toque maldoso típico dos AMG mais fortes. Os de verdade, ouviu ESQ 53 AMG?

Acceleration is brutal, with a strong kick that makes you cling to the seat while imagining you’re in a supercar with at least a V6 engine. In Sport+ or Race mode, every gear change is accompanied by a screeching sound from the exhaust, which makes the game even more exciting. He blinked, speeding down the road.

Personality

In Comfort mode, the dual-clutch transmission makes shifts very smooth and imperceptible. Already in the most sporty variants, each shift is a clearly felt and powerful punch, which stimulates driving with links. It’s interesting to see these two different personalities of the A45.

But the suspension really likes to be in bad shape all the time. Unfortunately Mercedes did not bring the adaptive dampers available in Europe, which means that the A-Class version rides in hard rock conditions all the time. After a week, you will need to adjust the entire spine.

Backstage story: on my way out of my house, I came across a long cobbled road, which is the worst nightmare on the A45. It vibrates, makes noise and sends every imperfection of the soil directly to the sciatic nerve. He clearly hates any surface that isn’t European standard smooth tarmac.

In addition, it is lower than recommended for Brazilian streets. Which means shaving the front end on every freeway or road climb. The evaluated model, which goes through the hand of some journalists, already has the lower part of the bumper all scratched (and unfortunately it contributes to this).

german glue

A positive counterpart to this stiffer suspension is the A45 AMG’s cornering behavior. Combined with all-wheel drive, this hot hatch negotiates winding roads with perfection. He said, probably, calmly holding the pitch. The traction system allows you to send 50% of the power to each axle and redistribute that power to each wheel.

This means that, in turn, the wheel on the opposite side of the turn receives more power than the inside. As a result, he is able to take sharp turns with more control. The rear end is sportier in Sport+ mode and even looser in Race, but in a manageable way.

It’s not like the old C63 AMG, where any acceleration glitch in Sport+ makes you turn it into a Mercedes at home, driving past the Baú da Felicidade. It is allowed to exceed the limit, making clear the intention of every AMG which is to fear for your life, but in a safe way. It’s like a roller coaster.

Time for plastic surgery

In Europe, the Mercedes-Benz Class A has already been restyled and here in Brazil the model is being tested. But what needed to change was left: the interior. The cabin has quality, but it lacks the most refinement for example in the luxury category, especially since it is an AMG that costs more than half a million reais.

The entire panel is smooth, including the door section, but it is not such a refined material. The leather on the seats also doesn’t feel like a Mercedes, unlike the quality Alcantara used in the center of the seats. The steering wheel is quality, lightly padded and combines leather and Alcantara in an elegant way.

There is a lot of shiny black plastic in the simple-looking cabin, while the screens already seem small for it. Couple that with the fact that the interior is the same as the A-Class Sedan, CLA, GLB, EQA and EQB, part of the A45’s charm is gone. Again, it’s not a bad interior, but it doesn’t make it feel special.

Inner space floats between two opposing realities. The 370 liter trunk is good for a medium hatch, but space in the second row is tight. Especially since the front seats are large and the driving position is low, forcing the driver to take up more space in the A45.

hello mercedes

On the other hand, the technological and ergonomic part is used well. The seats are electrically adjustable with three memory positions, and the door controls couldn’t be better placed. The steering wheel adjusts well in height and depth and all commands are very easy to reach. And best of all: physical control over the weather.

The multimedia center is the best memory on the market, being fast and practical to use. The screen is sharp and packed with features, including additional performance features exclusive to AMG models. The instrument panel is customizable as well, allowing you to change the dials, appearance and functions displayed on the screen.

The model still has ambient lighting that can be configured in a ton of colors, as well as the possibility of multi-color points and power changes. When moving the air conditioner, the five air channels change color: blue if the temperature is lowered or red when the temperature is raised – regardless of which zone between the two.

The A45 AMG still has things like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control (but lacks lane keeping system), blind spot alert, front and rear parking sensors, traction and stability control, sunroof, face unlock and a high-end Fender sound system.

decision

The Mercedes-AMG A45 S is a true sports car of sorts and parts concessions. It’s not like a coupe or convertible that sacrifices performance and driving comfort for pure sportiness. Still, it’s not the world’s most comfortable car for city driving.

But it makes up for it with an unusually strong character, a large trunk, and an interior space that allows you to take other passengers. It’s worth the price it costs to deliver a true sports car experience, even if it’s a gateway to AMG mania. Don’t forget to include a chiropractor or massage therapist in your A45 monthly bill. Your back will thank me.

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