The Mercedes-AMG A35 Is A 302bhp Golf R Challenger
Before you panic, don’t worry: the next AMG A45 is still happening. It’s just Mercedes is no longer content with having a pop at only the Audi RS3: it wants something to give the S3 a headache too. Plus the VW Golf R.
So there’ll soon be two hot, AMG A-Classes. The yet-to-be-revealed A45 with a circa-400bhp output, and this, the new A35, which is effectively the new entry-point for the AMG range as a whole.
It uses a development of the new 2.0-litre inline-four turbo engine found in the A250, here making 302bhp at 6100rpm, and 295lb ft of torque at 3000rpm. 0-62mph takes just 4.7 seconds, which sounds pretty damn good for what’s supposed to be the junior hot hatch in the range. Top speed meanwhile is the entirely expected 155mph electronically-limited affair.
Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (you weren’t expecting a manual option, were you?), with an electro-mechanical multi-plate clutch controlling the split between the axles. When you’re just pootling along torque will be sent to the front wheels exclusively, with the system able to send ever-more thrust rearwards as driving conditions demand, up to a 50:50 split.
Mercedes-AMG has added various bracing measures to stiffen the body-in-white, with the aim of improving stability and turn-in sharpness. Suspension-wise, you’ll find a four-link setup at the back, while at the front there are MacPherson struts with a geometry bespoke to the A35. The aluminium wishbones are new, and various bits and pieces like the wheel carriers have been lifted from the A45. Should you wish to spruce up the chassis further, adaptive dampers will be available optionally.
Stopping power is taken care of via 350mm discs at the front squeezed by four-piston monoblock calipers, and rearwards you’ll find 330mm rotors and single-piston sliding calipers. The silver-painted calipers also have AMG logos, which has to be worth at least 5bhp.
The car will be shown in public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in October, with sales kicking off later that month. The first UK cars will be landing during the first quarter of 2019.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
This poor thing looks horrible
Is that… Solarbeam!? £7k paint on a £35k car??
Mercedes will grab every last penny so it wouldn’t shock me
Looks dope though
This is actually “Sonnengelb” (so, maybe “Sun Yellow” in english?) and it is a non-metallic colour. It will also be available for the non-AMG models and probably not cost that much.
I would think it will look a bit like “yellowstone”, which was available for the very first R170 SLK models
nope it’s a new yellow colour - sunny yellow
That’s got to be one of the ugliest cars i’ve ever seen (even by mercedes “””standards”””)
The regular model looked like an amg anyways, this is a little overdone. And wangs on hot hatches don’t look so great.
uhhhhh
ya said what now?
well that’s the reason aero kit is an option…
it looks like shit. wtf mercedes?
THIS is the all new A35 AMG, and It’s ugly, but not only that, it also has a displacement of just two liters, even if Mercedes calls it the A ‘35’.
Yes but no current AMG model has an engine displacement that is equivalent to it’s name. Also personal opinion I think it’s rather handsome, it’d just prefer it without the rear wing.
The perfect “I can’t afford a proper AMG but want to show off” car
It’s an AMG
It’s the cheapest AMG
It’s bright yellow
And it has a wang
You speak the truth, top tier chavmobile this
You can buy an A180 1.33l in AMG-line and add a wing. That’s even cheaper :)
I hate this argument. So just because its the cheapest AMG its for people who cant afford the “real” one? Im guessing the 570S is the poor mans McLaren then because the 720 S exists.
And everyone driving a Focus ST is a chav as well and just couldnt afford the RS.
Some people want a car thats sporty but dont want to go all out AMG, for those people the A35 will be the right choice. The C43 seems to be pretty successful and for good reason, i just dont understand why people keep making this point every time.
Unpopular opinion. I like it.
I love it!
You know what… GOOD… about time someone knocked the Golf R down a peg!
Though I’m sitting here waiting to see where the Hyundai N badge goes in the next few years because boy wouldn’t it be nice to have this kinda fun for an affordable price. Ya know… what hatches are SUPPOSED TO BE! Fun at an affordable price in a cute package.
I honestly dont think it will knock the Golf R down a peg or even bother it for that matter. The Golf R following is downright cultist and that’s because it ticks ALL boxes. And it doesnt look like a chav. Anyone who is interested in a golf R wont take a second look at this, this is more likely to bother Civic Type R or S3 territory. It’s the same way the Golfs are some of the most sedate hot hatches but still some of the the top selling.
The wing is ridiculous, the stance is ridiculous, and the grille is ridiculous. It may only be 2 liters, but I think it’s still AMG style.