THE VERDICT
After a dozen or so spirited runs up Steenbras Mountain Road, our two hot hatches finally ticked themselves cool at the lookout point over a foggy False Bay and we were able to draw a couple of conclusions for you on these second-division hot hatches from Germany. As far as their engine notes are concerned, neither are Juilliard Music School graduates, that’s for sure, but of the two it’s the four-pot in the Mercedes-amg that sings the sweeter tune and is a bit more percussive on the overrun and upshift. The 128ti takes a more muted approach to its work, which is a surprise considering the same basic fourpot in a Mini John Cooper Works Hatch can be seriously loquacious with plenty of snuffle and boom when provoked. That being said, the 128ti is the best and most connected of the new 1 Series models we’ve driven to date; and, yes, that includes the M135i xdrive, our wooden spooner in the 2020 Performance Shootout. We’d prefer a touch more drama to the otherwise versatile drivetrain, but for the most part, there’s plenty to like about Beemer’s front-driven four-pot, particularly its ti-dy, yet playful chassis and excellent everyday refinement.
Against the stopwatch, there’s no denying the A35 is the faster car and if that’s your be-all and end-all, that makes it the better car here. With that extra power and two more driven wheels that is as it should be for an A-class costing nearly R900k, surely? Dynamically, it must be held to the same standard as the Volkswagen Golf R and Audi S3, against which it equips itself admirably. It possesses the sort of drive that always keeps you in the hunt, egging you on to take advantage of its immense traction. If you had to blindfold a passenger and take them for back-to-back spins in the A35 and A45 S, odds are they wouldn’t be able to tell them apart. It’s the same deal for the driver.
Ultimately, the only reason to opt for the full-fat A45 S ahead of its more modest sibling is bragging rights … to say your hot hatch gets from 0-100 km/h in less than four seconds, which is a pretty impressive boast! In all other respects, the AMG A35 is a fine vehicle and every inch the hot hatch it should be.