Mercedes-AMG has pulled the covers back on the all-new 2019 A 35 hot hatch, which becomes the new entry-level performance machine for the firm.
Thanks to a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the A 35 boasts some serious performance. The unit sends 302bhp to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, propelling the hatch from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph.
Helping to keep that power to the ground is a MacPherson strut and aluminium wishbone at the front of the car, while the rear gets a four-link setup. Available optionally is an adaptive damping system, allowing the driver to change suspension settings on the fly.
There’s also a selection of driving modes — namely Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. Although most of those will be familiar, it’s the first that might be new to you.
As the name suggests, Slippery mode is designed for when the road surface is greasy or wet — and restricts engine power, alongside recalibrating shift points, to limit wheelspin and keep both the A 35 and driver safe.
See Available Mercedes-Benz deals
The car’s aesthetic has also been tweaked from the base machine to represent the racier underpinnings. A rear wing features, along with black winglets and large air intakes up front. There are also 18-inch alloy wheels, sitting underneath wider arches.
Inside the car, several AMG touches appear — including a sportier option for the digital instrument cluster and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The firm’s MBUX infotainment system also features inside the car.
There’s no word yet on exact pricing for the UK, but expect to see the 2019 Mercedes-AMG A 35 in showrooms early next year.
