Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-AMG A45 review - is AMG's hot hatch capable of bringing the fight to the Focus RS? - Design

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

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

Design

In standard exterior trim, the A45 AMG could almost be described as understated, with little more than sculpted bumpers and side skirts to reveal its intentions. But hand over an extra £1530 for the AMG Aerodynamic Package and Mercedes will add a certain amount of laryness to your car with the addition of a bold rear wing, a diffuser and carbon fibre winglets up front.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The A45 AMG sits on 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels as standard. Although, 19-inch wheels are available as an option. Normally we’d be tempted towards the smaller rims in order to salvage some comfort, but the minuscule difference in ride quality and more aggressive stance of the 19s make them a worthwhile upgrade.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Puma review – the best-seller that’s still no patch on the Fiesta
Ford Puma
In-depth reviews

Ford Puma review – the best-seller that’s still no patch on the Fiesta

The Ford Puma melds some of the Fiesta’s charm with big-selling crossover form factor, but we still miss a proper small Ford hatch
21 Aug 2026
Cupra Leon VZ review – Spain’s Golf GTI is better than Germany’s
Cupra Leon
In-depth reviews

Cupra Leon VZ review – Spain’s Golf GTI is better than Germany’s

The choice of full-sized front-drive hot hatches now doesn’t include the Civic Type R. Can the Cupra Leon VZ take the top spot?
25 Aug 2026
The 2-litre Mazda MX-5 is dead, but its replacement gets an upgrade
2027 Mazda MX-5 1.5
News

The 2-litre Mazda MX-5 is dead, but its replacement gets an upgrade

As emissions regulations close in, Mazda has announced the discontinuation of one of our favourite current sports cars on sale: the 2-litre MX-5. Than…
26 Aug 2026