AMG gives small Mercs rocket power

Rarin' to go... and going...

The AMG badge now decorates the new A 45 and CLA 45 which are both powered by the new small (for AMG) turbo-charged engine that thunders out 265kW and 450Nm and is enough to blast the GLA pocket rocket over the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.6 seconds. That's so hot it beats the claimed time of the sexy new Alfa Romeo 4C Coupé and equals that of the Aston Martin DB9!

In addition to the new BlueDIRECT turbo engine, they are also armed with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, which is linked to all-wheel drive that provides the tarmac glue.

Mind-blowing

I piloted both models around the tight and tricky Red Star motorbike racetrack in Gauteng and it was mind-blowing to experience the huge dollops of rocket power the dynamic twosome serve up. But it is much more than just brute force and speed that make these snazzy hot rods so impressive because all that muscle on tap is masterfully balanced with handling, braking and grip levels that exceed most anything else in their class, size and price.

It's mind-blowing to experience the huge dollops of rocket power the dynamic twosome serve up.

Forget about being glued to the tar - this new hot hatch and its stylish sedan sibling are welded, cemented and bolted to the road and even when being roughly and over-zealously manhandled by my late-braking and thrown into oversteer the two AMG's never ran out of tar or lost their composure. They accelerate with such enthusiasm out of the corners that even on the relatively short straight speeds of up to 182km/h were recorded on the brief time we spent on the short track.

With so much power on tap and with such outstanding handling characteristics these two Mercs are unmatched by any other mass-produced turbocharged four-cylinders on the market. To hear these two at full trot is motoring classical music, with the tail pipes of the AMG sports exhaust system producing a symphony that makes your hair stand on end.

Impressive

The new small AMG's are impressive whichever way you look at them but one of their more outstanding features is a seven-gear sports transmission that offers three transmission modes and even a RACE START for optimum acceleration. To cool things down and keep the polar bears happy you can also idle along in "C" mode (Controlled Efficiency) to use less fuel and reduce emissions.

Forget about being glued to the tar – this new hot hatch and its stylish sedan sibling are welded, cemented and bolted to the road.

Typical of the three-pointed star carmaker the twosome are kitted out with numerous settings and fancy technological tricks and toys, which will take a while to master. For instance, when it comes to its three electronic stability program settings "ESP ON", "SPORT Handling Mode" and "ESP OFF" it will take a brave driver to venture too early into the third phase without sufficient experience at the wheel of either car or with too much reliance on the protection provided by the speed-sensitive sports steering and ESP Curve DynamicAssist to keep the car pointed in the right direction if you pour too much high octane down its willing throat on twisty roads.

Big-Brother lookalikes

Smooth lines, quality and priced to be more affordable, but you still need quite a bit of spare change if you want one.

Where the AMG chaps with the long hair and thick glasses were particularly clever was to design these smaller AMGs to look very much like their brutal big brother CLS 63 AMG - every inch of gleaming metal shouting high-performance, but now at a more affordable price.

In addition to the AMG badge and TURBO AMG tattooed on the front wing of the car, the small AMGs look great in riding boots of twin-spoke titanium grey alloys wrapped in 235/40 R18 rubber and make-up that includes gaping side air intakes, a rear diffuser and twin exhaust outlets.

'Hello... Guten Tag... I'll be your dream car today'

Inside, too the AMG's character is strong, from the red seat belts, red stitched racing seats and small sports steering wheel with shift paddles to its carbon-fibre look instrument panel, black and red air vents, brushed aluminium trim and even a greeting from the AMG screen which lights up when you open the door.

The suits at Merc are optimistic that the hot A and CLA will appeal to younger buyers attracted by their sporty, standout looks and because of the image and status that goes with owning a prestigious, instantly recognisable sought-after performance car.

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'2014/2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG PP' Test Drive & Review - TheGetawayer

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