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Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG review – furiously fast, but frustratingly, not much fun (2015 - 2018) - Design

Dramatic performance and plenty of grip for AMG's smallest offering, but you can find more fun for less money elsewhere

Evo rating
Price
from £41,830
  • Blisteringly quick everywhere
  • Not as rewarding as some slower rivals

Design

The A45 still looks as imposing now as it did at launch, and its aggressive prow and deeply sculpted flanks mark it out as both something different from the herd, and from lesser A-class models. AMG addenda includes a jutting chin spoiler, extended side sills and a small rear spoiler, but as you can see in our photographs, various extras are available to embellish it further as part of the £1530 AMG Aerodynamic Package.

As standard, the A45 AMG rides on 18in five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40 R18 tyres. Ordinarily, we’d suggest sticking to the smaller wheel options to the benefit of ride and little handling compromise - but having driven A45s on both 18 and 19-inch wheels and experienced equally punishing ride quality in both, we see little reason not to tick the 19in box and reap the aesthetic benefits.

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