Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG priced from $74,900

Mercedes-Benz Australia has announced the pricing of the highly anticipated A45 AMG, and the good news is it is priced around $5,000 lower than expected at $74,900 plus on-roads. It will go on sale in September.

Stuggart’s answer to the burgeoning hot-hatch segment, the A45 AMG features a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which AMG claims, is the world’s most powerful production four-pot. It delivers 265kW of power and 450Nm to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The A45 AMG is capable of hitting 100km/h from a standstill in just 4.6 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than its closest rival, the BMW M135i. Its fuel consumption is rated at 6.9L/100km, 0.6L/100km more thrifty than the Beemer.

Besides being one of the fastest hatchbacks in Australia, the A45 AMG also brings technology usually found on more expensive Mercedes-Benz down to an affordable level. Australian delivered cars will feature 19-inch alloy wheels, Intelligent Lighting System, a panoramic glass sunroof, AMG Performance exhaust, Distronic Plus radar cruise control, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, heated leather seats, front and rear parking sensors, COMAND online interface, Harman Kardon Logic 7 audio and most important of all, AMG Driver’s Package which raise the top speed to 270km/h.

More than 100 forward orders for the A45 AMG has already been received, with the local arm of Mercedes-Benz expecting the hot-hatch to be in short supply. The company also expects to shift at least 500 units per annum, cementing Australia as the sixth-biggest AMG market globally, and the largest per-capita.