Mercedes announces prices and spec for 302bhp AMG A 45

Mercedes has opened order books for its most junior performance model - the AMG A 35, due in spring 2019.

The A 35 4MATIC is the new entry model from Mercedes-AMG, bringing AMG performance to the premium hatchback segment.

It features a 2.0-litre fourcylinder petrol engine, producing 302bhp and 295lb/ft of torque, powering all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The A 35 can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds and if you can find a handy stretch of autoabhn will reach 155mpg before the electronic limiter kicks in. Official figures state it can achieve 38.7mpg on the combined cycle and emits 167g/ km of CO2.

All AMG models come with uprated suspension, exhaust and braking to cope with the added grunt of the engine and come with various design cues to their prowess. 18-inch AMG alloys are standard, as is the AMG radiator grille with twin-blade lamella and an AMG “performance” steering wheel finished in Nappa leather.

For £2,595 the AMG Style package adds body options, alloys and heat-insulating dark-tinted glass, while the £35,580 A 35 4MATIC has Mercedes’ latest MBUX multimedia system; active lane keeping assist and speed limit assist. There’s also a reversing camera, five driving modes, keyless starting function and automatic twozone climate control.

Executive, Premium, and Premium Plus trims bring more - bigger screens, heated seats, 64-colour ambient lighting, keyless entry, adaptive LED headlights and a Burmester surround sound stereo.