Fresh from the Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz have officially taken the covers off their first ever Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC - a hot hatch that represents the most affordable AMG in the current line-up.
Despite being based on a front-wheel drive platform, the A35 features an AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, which is paired with a 2.0-litre turbocharged motor. Its motor, an improved version of the M260 4-cylinder used in the W177 A250 now outputs 225kw and 400nm. Paired with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission, and a RACE-START launch control system, it can sprint from 0-100kph in just 4.7 seconds, just 0.1 seconds slower than the original 265kw A45 AMG, and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.
The braking system has also been upgraded, with its ventilated discs now measuring 350mm up front and 330mm at the rear, held by 4 pot calipers and single pot calipers respectively. The chassis has also been stiffened to cope with the additional power, while the Haldex-based 4MATIC system can split power 50:50 between the front and rear, should the need arise.
The interior is very similar to the already impressive A-Class, but gains subtle AMG touches like its AMG Sports seats, an AMG steering wheel, as well as AMG display styles for the MBUX system. AMG TRACK PACE is also available as an option for the A35. The virtual race engineer is part of the MBUX multimedia system and permanently records more than 80 vehicle-specific data (e.g. speed, acceleration) while driving on a race track.
The aggressive A35 looks distinctively different from the A250 AMG-line, sporting a radiator grille with twin louvres, cunards up front, a front splitter, 18-inch wheels, deeper side skirts, a more defined rear diffuser with dual pipes, and a massive rear wing. If this is anything to go by, the 300kw+ A45 and even more hardcore A45 S will look fantastic, when it is revealed some time next year.
The A35 is expected to start reaching showrooms in Europe in January 2019, with other markets following shortly thereafter. Expect Mercedes-Benz South Africa to launch it locally early next year.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC starts at around R850,000 in South Africa, making it the most affordable AMG in the current lineup and a proper entry point into the AMG world.
Q: How fast is the Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC?
The A35 rockets from 0-100kph in just 4.7 seconds thanks to its 225kW turbocharged engine and AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G transmission, with a top speed electronically limited to 250kph.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC all-wheel drive?
Yes, the A35 features AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive system that can split power 50:50 between front and rear wheels when needed, despite being based on a front-wheel drive platform.
Q: What engine does the Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC have?
The A35 packs an improved 2.0-litre turbocharged M260 4-cylinder engine producing 225kW and 400Nm, which is significantly more powerful than the standard A250's motor.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC worth buying?
The A35 offers genuine AMG performance with proper all-wheel drive, aggressive styling, and impressive tech for under R900,000, making it excellent value for anyone wanting authentic AMG thrills without breaking the bank.
Should You Buy It?
The best entry-level performance hatch under R900,000 in SA is absolutely the Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC. At around R850,000, you're getting proper AMG engineering with 225kW, genuine all-wheel drive, and that intoxicating 4.7-second 0-100kph sprint that puts most supercars from a decade ago to shame. The aggressive styling means you'll never be mistaken for driving a regular A-Class, while the upgraded brakes and stiffened chassis prove this isn't just a motor swap. Yes, you should definitely buy it if you want AMG thrills without the eye-watering price tag of the A45, and frankly, most drivers will never miss that extra performance on SA roads anyway.
