Sports Car of the Year: 2020 Mercedes-AMG A 45

It can be hard living up to expectations. The previous Mercedes-AMG A 45 absolutely blew everyone away when it arrived in 2013. It took hot hatches to a new level, while the years since have seen Merc and other rivals continuously trying to one-up each other with each subsequent model release. So the motoring world was waiting with bated breath to see what the AMG crew could manage with an all-new model — and once again, they’ve outdone themselves. The new A 45’s bona fides start with its engine: the most powerful production 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol ever made, somehow packing in 310kW and 500Nm in the S variant (the only version offered in Australia). Paired with all-wheel-drive, it will do the 0-100km/h dash in a supercar-like 3.9 seconds. And the word supercar is apt here, despite the sub-six-figure price tag and relatively diminutive dimensions. This is a car which enjoyably rages, snarls and screams as it goes about its work. There’s next to no turbo lag and the engine rewards you by being at its happiest at high revs. It’s thrilling stuff. But the A 45 is no straight-line bully: it’s just as good in the corners. The benefits of a hot hatch’s short wheelbase helps make it easy to chuck into bends, while there’s a tonne of grip from the intelligent all-wheel-drive system which can send power to the rear wheels, or the left or right rear specifically. If you want maximum rear end fun, you can engage Drift Mode. But while the A 45’s performance capability quite rightly gets all the attention, there are other aspects worth mentioning. As good as the previous generation was, its firm suspension could be jarring and tiring around town. But the newbie does a great job of softening up when the Porsche-like steering wheel dial is switched to comfort mode. You could be in any premium hatchback, which only adds to the practical nature of hot hatches. You can even start the car in ‘silent mode’ to remove the engine’s irritated bark so as to not disturb the neighbours. Not to mention, the old version screamed its racer intentions at passers-by, with sharp angles and a massive spoiler. Things are more restrained this time around, meaning buyers can have the thrills without having to appear immature. Mercedes’ new MBUX infotainment system also enhances the experience, with its slick displays and ease of use far superior to the old COMAND system. The AMG team deserves the utmost credit for what it’s done with the new A 45. It has surpassed the old version by making the A 45 an even more raucous beast, but one that’s easier to bring to heel than before. We can’t wait to see the response from Merc’s hot-hatch competitors — because they’ve got their work cut out for them bettering this. 2020 MERCEDES-AMG A 45 SPECIFICATIONS THIS YEAR’S WINNERS