AMG A45 BUYING SECRETS
Mercedes-benz’s hot hatch still isn’t cheap, but depreciation has done its work. As John Evans reports, bargains are relative at the posh end of the market
Six years since they first hit the road, the initial Mercedes-amg A45s are beginning to look reasonably affordable. New and in standard trim, they were £37,845 – a huge number even for this hottest of hot hatches and one that quickly grew to £42,000 with options. Today, and thanks to depreciation, these first-generation cars start at £20,000.
We’re not talking multi-owner, high-milers with flaky service histories, either. A surprising number are one- or two-owner cars, have done less than 40,000 miles and, depending on mileage, have the requisite five or six main dealer stamps in the service book.
Back in 2013, the A45’s 355bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine was the talk of the town. Thanks to part-time, 4Matic all-wheel drive, it could use it, too, with the result that 0-62mph takes just 4.6sec. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddles is a box of delights that can simulate double-declutching on downshifts and features three driving modes.
The exhaust has a flap for a fruitier rasp, or close it when you’re feeling more chilled. Other goodies include lashings of carbonfibre trim, grippy sports seats, a sat-nav and climate control. Topping it all off is stiffened AMG suspension and a bodykit.
Those are the standard bits, but monied first-buyers thought nothing of splashing another £4000 or so on extras such as the AMG performance exhaust. Like all such adornments, these depreciate faster than the car they’re fitted to, but don’t expect to pick up a loaded A45 for pennies: the right kit (the Aero pack is desirable) still commands a premium.
It was all going so well, and then in 2015 the 362bhp Audi RS3 arrived to embarrass the lesser-powered A45. Mercedes was forced to respond and three months later, in June 2015, it revealed the 2016 model-year A45 with 376bhp. In addition, it gained revised gear ratios, some aero tweakery and new driving modes. AMG Dynamic Plus joined the long options list bringing a locking diff for the front axle, adaptive damping and a none-too-subtle driving mode called Race.
A45 and RS3 each cost £40,000 new but, today, prices for a good, 2016-reg, 376bhp A45 start at around £27,000, while a good 2015-reg RS3 is around the £30,000 mark.
A few months later, Mercedes celebrated winning a second successive Formula 1 crown with the launch of the A45 Petronas 2015 World Champion Edition, complete with unique paint job and special trim. It cost £46,000, and today one with 12,000 miles is still £42,000.
During the six years it was on sale, the A45 proved to be a relatively durable motor. There are issues with early turbos and the dual clutch ’box, both easily resolved. Instead, the bigger problem is sorting the wrapped racers from the honest cars. A full Mercedes service history is a good place to start and if it’s wearing budget rubber, walk away.
During the six years it was on sale, the A45 proved to be a relatively durable motor