Mercedes has confirmed that the latest addition to the AMG family will have its public debut in the 2013 Geneva Motor Show a full year after A-class first appeared in public.
Pricing is yet to be announced but according to Autocar the A45 AMG will cost around 45000€ (36000£ or a little over 58000$), with an optional performance package that will raise the price in 3800€ (3000£ or a little under of 5000$)
Powering AMG’s first ever hatchback is a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct injection petrol engine developed by AMG engine boss, Fritz Eichler. Known under the codename M132. with a twin scroll turbocharger with a maximum pressure of 1.8bar, the transversely mounted engine is claimed to provide the A45 AMG with 349bhp at 6600rpm with 332lb/ft (450Nm) of torque. By comparison, the M135i’s turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine kicks out 316bhp and the same 332lb/ft (450Nm).
The A45 has a seven speed dual clutch gearbox that helps all four wheels put the power on the road for better handling. Mercedes-Benz officials suggest the it will do 0 to 62mph in just 5.1sec with a top speed limited to 155mph in standard trim and 168mph with the optional performance package. Combined average fuel consumption is said to be over 40mpg.
Under the new AMG model is a modified version of the standard A-class’s MacPherson strut (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension, which has been lowered by around 25mm.
Source: Autocar UK
