The arrival of a brand-new Mercedes A-Class last year meant hot hatch fans around the world have been eagerly awaiting a new range-topping performance variant. Something they might not have expected was that the company’s AMG division was actually working on two new models: a range-topping replacement for the old A 45 (that’s coming later this year) and this, the new A 35 AMG. This entry-level rung on the AMG ladder is designed to rival the Volkswagen Golf R at a more affordable price point than its bigger brother. It follows a similar formula to its VW competitor, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine powering all four wheels through a dual-clutch transmission. But at this price, this most affordable AMG model also has to face another rival: our current favourite hot hatchback, the Honda Civic Type R. This delivers thrills like little else on the road. However, even though it has the most power, the Japanese car does without a four-wheel-drive system like its test rivals.
Not that this has hobbled the Honda in the past, because it has seen off the challenge of the likes of the all-wheel-drive Ford Focus RS. The AMG A 35 has a tough task to take on these two titans of the hot hatch world, then. We know a great car in this class has to tick many boxes, but is the new Mercedes talented enough to walk away with the win? The Mercedes-AMG A 35 currently sits at the top of the A-Class range. It’s the most expensive model of our group, at £35,580, although our test car was laden with expensive options, including the £2,595 style pack that adds the large rear wing. That spoiler, 19-inch alloys and aerodynamic trim on the bumpers are all part of the styling pack, because the standard A 35 looks much like a lesser AMG Line version. But AMG has applied plenty of tweaks beneath the skin to sharpen up the A-Class’s responses and make the most of its 302bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
The larger screens are great, though, adding a hi-tech feel. Standard equipment on the Mercedes includes 18-inch alloy wheels, AMG styling, selectable driving modes, Artico man-made leather sports seats, LED headlights, climate control and satellite navigation. The A 35 is actually the least powerful model of our test trio. There’s only a few bhp in it, and 302bhp is not to be sniffed at, while all three cars have the same maximum 400Nm of torque. However, the AMG is the heaviest model here, at 1,555kg, which is pretty chunky for a hot hatch of this size - it’s a whopping 175kg heavier than the Civic Type R, and 72kg more than the Golf. All three cars recorded a 30-50mph time of 2.2 seconds in third gear, which shows how well matched they are for performance once they’re rolling. However, while it’s linear and also pretty refined, the A 35’s engine feels a bit flat. It’s a similar story in the Volkswagen, though, and while the Honda’s engine is more visceral, none of these 2.0-litre units sounds particularly exciting.
The Mercedes’ steering is similar to the Golf’s, too, in that it’s precise but feels a bit disconnected; although it’s a nicer weight and does feel less resistive to your inputs, especially under power. Traction is brilliant as well, with the four-wheel drive shuffling power around effectively. Cornering grip is also plentiful, while our car’s winter tyres could explain a slight lack of steering precision compared with its rivals. The A 35 is also reasonably comfortable on a motorway and deals with smaller bumps pretty well at higher speeds. Yet as your speed drops so does the level of comfort, and around town the Mercedes feels firm. Adaptive dampers are a £695 option, but weren’t fitted to our car; they cost £850 on the VW and are included as standard on the Honda. The A 35 retains the A-Class’s acceptable 370 litres of boot space, which means it’s more spacious than the Golf R’s 343 litres, which is reduced compared with a standard Golf due to the car’s four-wheel-drive system. Both capacities are smaller than the Civic’s 420-litre volume, though. Compared with its predecessor, this A-Class is much better packaged, so there’s more space in the rear.
