Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-AMG A45 review - is AMG's hot hatch capable of bringing the fight to the Focus RS? - Prices, specs and rivals

Incredible performance and grip, but lacking the involvement and fun that a great hot hatch requires

Evo rating
Price
from £39,995
  • Blisteringly quick
  • Not quite as rewarding as less powerful and cheaper rivals

Prices, specs and rivals

The A45 range begins at a not-insignificant £39,995, or £41,890 in 'Premium' trim. Its closest rival, on paper, the Audi RS3 costs £40,795.

However, the A45 has plenty of other, much cheaper, competition. The sublime, but now ubiquitous, VW Golf R is more fun, more engaging and £8,875 cheaper at £31,120. Ford’s latest Focus RS offers more power than the Golf an even more thrilling drive, and it’s cheaper still at £29,995.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If four-wheel drive isn’t necessary, BMW’s M135i rear wheel drive chassis offers and, arguably, more predictably handling. It’s priced on a par with the Golf at £31,200.

Given its performance figures, the A45 represents good value. But, more fun can be had for a lot less.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?
Toyota GR Yaris Gen 2 – front
News

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?

Our early impressions of the Gen 2 GR Yaris suggest that it’s an improvement in every area that counts, but can it be worth £18k more than an i20 N?
27 Mar 2024
The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024