By Lauren Ferrone
Published: Thursday, June 21, 2018
Where first impressions count, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 certainly has judges wowed – but not without a fight for the title of Best Sports Car priced between $50,000 and $100,000.
What sets it apart from the rest
The A 45 may have only won by a 6-point margin, but the 2L turbo engine pumps out a mighty 275Kw of power and 475Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful production engines you’ll find.
What it’s like to drive
With a 7-speed DCT gearbox, performance is nothing short of exhilarating, reaching 0–100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. And just as fast as it gets going, the AMG braking system does a great job of restraining the vehicle when called on.
What it’s got
- A perfect 10/10 for safety (the A 45 and Kia Stinger GT are the only two in the class to be awarded full marks).
- Heated powered front seats.
- An infotainment system with 8-inch colour screen and stat-nav.
- Keyless start.
Is this the car for you?
For a small hatchback, it’s not cheap and running and repair costs are unfortunately among the worst in class. Finances aside, the A 45 is the top pick if you’re looking for a smaller car (with a touch of luxury) to get around in.
How the finalists fared against the Mercedes-AMG A 45
