Mercedes-AMG A45 (177) and CLA45 (118)

Mercedes-AMG perfected the hot hatch game with their previous A45 hot hatch years ago with its 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that made it the most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world. Now, as the new generation A-Class flourished, the A45 made a grand comeback to level up the hot hatch ante. Happily though, the ultimate hot hatch's not alone though as it's joined by the junior four-door coupe in the AMG 45 range, the CLA45. These two are ready to impress the world once again with its more powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and addicting dynamics that will make them fall in love.

2020 Mercedes-AMG A45

2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA45

The Mercedes-AMG A45, starting at 56,228 Euros plus OTR, and the CLA45, starting at 60,095 Euros plus OTR, are back for their latest generation, promising to be the most enjoyable high-performance compacts drivers will fall in love with if they are fully prepare to pay a hefty price for such enjoyment these two will deliver.

On the design department, the signature AMG grille donned in range-toppers really put a massive grin on their faces as well as other exterior improvements in store for them and and although hideous to look at, these AMG models surely know business and pleasure even on the inside, where the sports seats really mean business to the drivers.

As full-blown AMG models, the A45 and CLA 45 are armed with the brand new M139 2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo 4-cylinder engine which, in the range topping S variants, produces 421PS of power and 500Nm of torque and when mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G, it goes from 0-100kph in less than four seconds and a top speed of 270kph. This is the most powerful 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine in the world and you should credit Mercedes-AMG for all the hard work pouring into this powerhouse, although unhappy with the muted noise drivers noticed when they get their foot down.

Yes, the muted noise is a bit of a letdown to many but on the dynamics side, this is where the new A45 and CLA45 truly shine the most because they both come with the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with AMG Torque Control in the new rear axle differential, which makes them livelier to drive than the previous models. Couple that with the Drift Mode setting and the result is a mind-blowing experience that will make them fall in love with either of these two. In fact, every gearhead in the world's getting jealous over the new A45/CLA45's greatness. When taken on the track, these models really are the class reps, and on the road, with most of their comfortable settings in place, they are an absolute standout from the crowd.

This is by no means one of the best high-performance compacts the folks from Mercedes-AMG ever made and despite its silent treatment which bothers most drivers while letting the hammer down, the dynamics the A45/CLA45 possess are relatively superior, even in the most enjoyable settings yet. With performance like this, perhaps this is the main reason why we can't have the nicest things. In fact, we're getting jealous to have one of those one day. Come on, world. We're ready.

Photo: Daimler AG