Mercedes-AMG A 35

First UK drive Saloon option now available for rapid compact Merc

Suddenly, Mercedes appears to be making a lot of small fast cars. If you’re in the market for a compact AMG-badged Merc, you’re spoilt for choice. While the original A 45 hatch has been produced since 2013, Merc has now added the lower-powered A 35 to the range, with Volkswagen Golf R-rivalling performance.

And now this entry-level AMG model is available as a saloon. Like the CLA 35 (opposite), it uses the same running gear as the A 35 hatch, but the newcomer’s only real rivals are the CLA and the soon-to-be-replaced Audi S3 Saloon.

The recipe is extremely similar to its Audi challenger’s. Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine developing 302bhp and sending drive to all four wheels via a Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.