To echo some in the comments, I am quite astounded that the name “RS3” was never mentioned once when you were reviewing this, regardless of what you think of its quality of being ‘fun.’ The GTI an STI reeeally cannot enter the conversation before the RS3 does. Just incredible!
The king with disappointing power output. I mean 294kw? A45 does 310 from its 4 cylinder engine. Rs3 is a 5 cylinder engine. Plus, it sounds like a vacuum cleaner. Old A45 sounds better then your rs3
@@olivercox2565 It was a 2017 Performance... previous to the overuse of touch screens and haptics... Honestly, that is the only deterrent with the A-Class. However, what no one is talking about how much better the voice recognition systems are getting now... making the touch and haptics less necessary... eventually unnecessary.
On this point about fake noise, I used to pick the cars in racing car games based on the "engine sounds" they made in addition to their performance, and that was during the era of NFSU2 and the GT games... I suspect that if they added eq controls for the driver to modify the "synthetic engine sounds" then people would be more excited about "fake" engine noise feature
Would like to see Rory browsing auto trader for used/nearly new cars costing £63k. Maybe several categories of car at this price. I love hot hatches, but for £63k I’d be thinking bigger, louder and more luxurious.
100%. i get it if your just leasing all the time but for this kind of cash i can get a new model M3 or even am RS4 avant. Both of which i;d take over a little hatchback. Hell i could get a 2017 RS6 and go full lunatic with a far better soundtrack.
@@stevefitchett6193 great suggestions. I’d throw a M5 comp and Giulia QV into the shortlist too! All new enough for dealer warranty and finance on PCP etc.
A new Golf R in New York is $60k, I cannot imagine what this would cost if it was offered in the US. Hot hatches that cost more than a new C8 Corvette…..what a world.
@@Pirustae are you really trying to refer a corvette to a hot hatch? 🤣😂 come on, let’s get real. A hot hatch buyer isn’t in the market for a sports car, whereas a sports car buyer can consider a hot hatch because of their multiple purposes. Let’s not try and refer to a corvette as a practical proposition 😂
Golf R has always been overpriced, but that's outright insane. Maybe VW is trying to justify why no one is buying them because the MK8 are cheap downgrades by raising prices.
Absolutely love the facelift model… been reading some comments that are considering the pre-facelift… don’t do it. The facelift model is so much better. It’s like they found all the things that could be improved on the old model and changed them. The audio system, although appearing to be the same as the pre-facelift, has been tuned and sounds amazing. Deeper base and richer sounds. So good. And the Mercedes voice control is 99% accurate. Especially the hot words like “next track”, or “show map”… you can talk and talk, but when you say those key phrases, it will do what you want. No need to say Hey Mercedes! Works VERY well. The steering wheel feels great. Haven’t had any issues with the touch buttons - but you can also reduce its sensitivity… I’ve got it set to the lowest sensitivity. And the driving - it’s just as amazing as always. Love this car, and love this version.
Sounds like you owned the pre face lift version and then got a new facelift. I only test drove the pre facelift before ordering the facelift, so I couldn't tell what the more subtle differences were.
I owned the old model and have the new 2023 model......... Just one point I'd like to mention the suspension in comfort mode is a lot more compliant than the old model, and is much better for an everyday car
My brother just recently bought an AMG and I was out driving it this weekend I am so in love with these right now the cars Mercedes are putting out now are so good to drive need to get my hands on one of these some day soon
I love my A35 and this one is even better. I've seen it on the race track a few times and it's definitely faster than me, especially out of the corners. And it does look meaner with the panamericana grill. Removing the track pad though, what a fail...
@wonderofu- You can get a car like this on part finance and pay off the difference monthly. An average job with an inexpensive lifestyle is all you need. I drive a newish BMW 440i and I'm not rich. Considering trading it in for the A45 though, which is why I'm here ;)
It's hard to say that this competes with the focus ST, given that this is double the price and some, of a brand new Focus ST. If you bought a Focus ST and ploughed 30k into mods, it would be a better car that the A45. I do however love the A45.
I'm so pissed that we never got this bad boy in the States. It's amazing! I used to have a CLA45 AMG and I loved it very much, but didn't like the way the rear looked. I now have an F80 M3 and while it's a lot better looking and performance-wise, I would've loved to own one of these.
For 63K, you get: 1. Flimsy rear wing 2. Flimsy front bumper 3. Fake air intake vents 4. Sub par leather 5. False quad exhaust tips 6. Same power output as previous version 7. Fake engine noise through speakers 8. Engine noise significantly reduced on the outside. The Honda Type R has more value for money than this "king of the hot hatches"
A car that rewards you the more you push it is all well and good until you're driving something that goes from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. Hyper hatches need to be fun at low speeds and that's why FWD hot hatches tend to be the better vehicle to own for most.
The A classes with 4matic+ (so the 35 and 45 are included obv) are heavily front biased when you arent going full ham. As long as the 4matic system doesnt see a need to be "active" its 70% front~. The 4matic+ system also allows for 100% rear or front/left and right side if neccesarry. Unlike the normal 4matic system (without the +) which can only decide between more front or back.
@@alexwithanxMy comment is more referring to the power output of the A45S rather than the drivetrain layout. Hyper hatches with all their tech and weight don't really excite much at low speeds and therefore are essentially rendered useless as a daily machine driving at the speed limit. A FWD hot hatch though...... very different story.
Mercedes is missing lots of sales not selling this vehicle in the US. I love hatchbacks! The first car I bought as a teen was a PT Cruiser (hatchback). They say Americans aren't having as many kids. So... less people to haul around. We have all these huge SUVs here... why 🤷♀️ we need more vehicles here like this. Where I live in North, Texas someone has one of these. Every time I see this person drive past me, I about break my neck staring at this car!
Given the minor revisions and poor build, an extra 10k is actually very poor value. Anyone who buys the facelift can expect prices to tank instantly because the pre - facelift is so similar. If you want a proper hot hatch, buy a Type R. If you want a engine focused hot hatch, get an RS3.
I agree with most of it, but strangely, I got a much bigger kick out of the 2.0 in the a45/ls than the 5 pot in the Rs3. The rs3 is just sooo numb. 60-70k for any hatchback is crazy to me either way. Type r ftw.
If this is the last update, it would have been nice to see actual changes to the interior & exterior. The C class interior would be perfect for a car like this
@suhail1200 That is incorrect. The C63S has 476 PS and 545 Nm from the engine alone, the total hybrid power is 680 PS. The A45S only has a turbo, the C63S has a turbo and an electric supercharger, hence the power increase.
Regarding the exhaust sound that can be heard inside the car, it is actually 'real exhaust' sound that is picked up by a microphone under the car and amplified through the sound system.
@@mitchellsteindler Lets hear what you drive then since all you guys can say is mercedes always needing repairs or got a renault engine. Lets hear what you drive then Mitchell
@happyhero1093 a mercedes my dude 🤣. But then I wised up and got a mazda and my life is infinitely better. Still have the merc in the drive though, it looks nice.
It's interesting you compare the car to a Focus ST and a Golf GTI, but surely its natural competiton would be the RS3 hatch and Golf R much more than the GTI.
@@AutoTraderTV ah ok, so does that mean you would say this one is a better handling and more fun hatch than the RS3 or the Golf R? Both of them offer the abiility to send more power to either rear wheel as with the A45 so I would have thought that would make them comparable... But from the sound of it you are putting this along with the ST and GTI in a category above the RS3 and Golf R when it comes to fun?
Other than the full screen apple car play, the pre-facelift is far better. Better steering wheel, more customisable and better looking dials, track pad and better DRL design in my opinion.
I was going to say the same thing...he repeated the line that the A45s is the fastest hot hatch ever and that no other hot hatch comes even close - twice! And I'm like - hasn't the new RS3 been faster in almost every comparison test they did so far? Surely he would be aware of that...
I will enlighten you and tell you the A45S is the faster car around a track and faster in a rolling race. The RS3 only has the edge from a standing start. 0-100km/h only races are overrated.
@@6ixtynine so basically like I said the rs3 is faster. I watched the videos on car wow with the new rs3 vs the a45s and a few other cars bmw m2 etc and launched the rs3 was quicker and rolling races it was also quicker and there is a recent video where these two are put together with some other cars and the rs3 is quicker again. His point was no other hothatch accelerates like the a45s but clearly there is another that can and better. Maybe on a track the a45s is quicker but his comments in his review were based around acceleration. And I am sure his reviewed the new rs3 so he could of phased it differently. Both cars are amazing hothatches regardless I would love to own one
@@alenalavanja6543 I had to retrace my steps back and go back to carwow videos and in a straight line rolling and launching the rs3 beats it. So if this new facelift is exactly the same engine power/weight how would it be any different
@@paulmichael3844 once again you’re basing all your facts on carwow videos. Even Matt from carwow did independent tests on A45S and it was quicker than manufacturer claims. Different day different conditions different results. Again your basing it on standing start acceleration tests and before you go on about the rolling race you need to watch other videos besides carwow.
Rory, as always a superb review. This is the best car ...by some margin..that Mercedes [AMG] produce. Current Mercedes design language and build quality nowhere near what it should be. And this is the last A45...shame. Thank you.
Not really this is a 4 cyl and an Rs3 is a 5cyl. They drive different and are completely dissimilar. I wouldn't want that laggy rs3 gearbox and please don't tell me to get a gearbox tune.
I have an 8y rs3 saloon with carbon pack, b&f sound and dynamic pack(ceramic brakes, increased top speed). It’s a rocket ship and I love it to bits coming from a mk 8 and a 7.5 golf r. I was in a clients a35 amg saloon today and was majorly underwhelmed by it, especially with being in the drivers seat. Thought the 2 golf r’s were better tbh. Can the a45s be a great deal better than what I experienced from the a35 today?
@@fjudgee9765 Its not poorly built. You can argue an golf R is better built than an RS3. Saying an a45s doesn't look good is ballistic, an RS3 with the whole front grill covered in fake honeycomb plastic and has fake vents too isn't ideal as well.
I still remember the comparison between the A45S and the Cayman and I still agree this A45S is better than that Cayman! Sad to see it go :c And this is also one of my favorite Hot Hatches :(
Great review. Relevant comments regarding how it drives on the limit on tight roads. Very sure footed and predictable on the limit. Also comment regarding lack of liveliness compared to FWD is true. I own a 2021 A45S and also had from new the previous 2018 W176 facelift model and the new car is way better. To satisfy the FWD directness I also own a Meg 4 Trophy R and Meg 4 Trophy 300 EDC for a daily. Let's just say they all have their positives and negatives but A45S is ear marked as a keeper.😀
I used to drive the previous gen.pfl a45 and quite bored with it...the pfl is much improved in term of fun when comes to driving...the current generation I think is way better though I still haven't drive it...
I would like to see a head to head with the A45 against MG4 X-power... Just to see how a £36,000 BEV measures up against a very expensive ICE hot hatch.
@ricco123tube Recently seen the MG4 X-power beat an Audi E-tron.... Where previously the Audi E-tron beat an R8. So it has to be reasonably fast ? Knowing that torque is good on BEVs , then pick up off corners etc has to be good? So all in all I don't imagine an MG4 X-power being totally shite up against an A45? Only definite weak are is brakes, as the MG4 has large plastic covers over small brake calipers!!
There’s nothing like a quiet EV blasting the music through all speakers without the whine of an engine. I used to have cars with V8s that sounded great and were loud but i enjoy my EV much better.
Question: speaking of the new MBUX, isn’t the previous A45s upgradable to the new version of MBUX? I mean it’s a software update and not hardware, right?
Makes me laugh. Everybody in the comment section crying about the price when an RS3 is exactly the same price. Im looking through Autotrader and im seeing RS3's that are 5 years old with 40-50k miles on the clock that are listed at £40k and that's 40k miles of doing 0-40 in 1st in a 30 zone 😂😅 All "hot hatch" cars are rip-offs. You can buy old school Mercedes V12 autobahn monsters that are half the price of these and yet 20x the amount of car. Sign of the time fellas.
I never knew what engine an A45 had. How do they get so much power from a 2L engine? It is staggeringly expensive. I thought we were experiencing a cost of living crisis!
There’s a strange phenomenon going on right now as you’re either thriving and ready to order one of these or Cost of living crisis is affecting you. It’s two groups: Those who have money have just seen their bills go up and aren’t stressed about it and then there are those actually struggling and getting destroyed. Ask around and you’ll see it’s a crisis for some, just an irritation for others
Man I'm so jealous. Here in the States, hot hatches have declined in popularity so the only one available that's worth mentioning is the GTI. I'd love to have an AMG A45S 😢...
But £65000 OTR for an A Class? 🤣 Makes the Golf R at £45k seem good value, especially considering you need a drag strip or the autobahn to tell them apart
It only the headlight and tail light that has changed, everything is the same but surely it expensive than it predecessor but I will still choose Rs3, Hyundai i30N or M2 Comp than this A45s
Great little car but why no mention of the Audi RS3 as an obvious competitor? Power just slightly down at 401. 3.8 to 60mph and arguably better looking (as a saloon).
I don't know why he keeps comparing the A45s to a GTI and ST when it's 20k more. They're more comparable to the A35. The A45s is in a category of its own, more so a "super" hot hatch. And its competitors in this range the M2 and RS3 have been proven to be faster so I don't get the statement "fastest hot hatch" when that's clearly false.
Was surprised this car can’t keep up with the Rs3 anymore, back then the Rs3 had no chance......handling maybe....just remembered there is Rs3 performance.......clearly it got no chance anymore.
To echo some in the comments, I am quite astounded that the name “RS3” was never mentioned once when you were reviewing this, regardless of what you think of its quality of being ‘fun.’
The GTI an STI reeeally cannot enter the conversation before the RS3 does. Just incredible!
My sentiments exactly 🤷🏾♂️
When did it become king?
The new RS3 is a terrible car for the money🤣
@@-LK34- YEAH RIGHT 🤡🤡🤡
Hot Hatches are about working class, Audi and Merc are not about that.
I bumped into Rory on this shoot last week on Wednesday 👍 and was happy to have a photo with me 👍
A45 has always been close to my heart. I think this has the best composition of everything to love in a car. Absolutely impressive to live with
The fact the current king of the segment, the Audi RS3, isn't mentioned has me thinking this a sponsored review! The intro says it all.
The king with disappointing power output.
I mean 294kw? A45 does 310 from its 4 cylinder engine. Rs3 is a 5 cylinder engine.
Plus, it sounds like a vacuum cleaner. Old A45 sounds better then your rs3
As a previous GTI owner, not going to lie, I've have had my eye on the A-Class! 😎
Same. I love my GTI but need more classss
@@olivercox2565 It was a 2017 Performance... previous to the overuse of touch screens and haptics... Honestly, that is the only deterrent with the A-Class. However, what no one is talking about how much better the voice recognition systems are getting now... making the touch and haptics less necessary... eventually unnecessary.
They are 2.0 ltr cars and the rs3 is 2.5 litre that's his companion only on engine not the actual car itself
Finally...Giving Rory and the team even more proper videography. Channel is going over 1M subs!
On this point about fake noise, I used to pick the cars in racing car games based on the "engine sounds" they made in addition to their performance, and that was during the era of NFSU2 and the GT games... I suspect that if they added eq controls for the driver to modify the "synthetic engine sounds" then people would be more excited about "fake" engine noise feature
Saying you chose a car based on it's sound is like buying a bullet-proof vest based on it's colour rather than it's effectiveness. How old are you?
@@AndyA1234 You are not a real car person. I drive a V8 for exactly this reason.
@@AndyA1234this analogy probably sounded better echoing in that empty head of yours
@@Kylirr 😂
That rear wing is designed that way Rory. It's the new adaptable body part technology. Helps with airflow..
@@somerandomfella the spoiler is aesthetic and has no downforce effect at all. in fact, it will only cause the car to use more gasoline.
Looked at the A45. Treated myself to the new audi rs3 💥💥
How is the laggy gearbox keeping up 🤣.
@@suhail1200 Had an absolute blast around Nordschleife cheers 👏
Interesting. I test drove an rs3 and I was pretty disappointed.
@@ThrottleBody each to their own eh. Hope you enjoy whatever you have pal💥😊
Why?
Would like to see Rory browsing auto trader for used/nearly new cars costing £63k. Maybe several categories of car at this price. I love hot hatches, but for £63k I’d be thinking bigger, louder and more luxurious.
100%. i get it if your just leasing all the time but for this kind of cash i can get a new model M3 or even am RS4 avant. Both of which i;d take over a little hatchback. Hell i could get a 2017 RS6 and go full lunatic with a far better soundtrack.
@@stevefitchett6193 great suggestions. I’d throw a M5 comp and Giulia QV into the shortlist too! All new enough for dealer warranty and finance on PCP etc.
@shred-ed303 how the hell did I miss the m5? That's what I'd have. Good shout.
M5 don't don't distinguish itself enough from the rest of the range for me.
@@Mellow6996 fair enough. But I'm a big fan.
Yes i agree with the build quality it could be better.
Sadly, apart from having the AMG moniker, it is still just an A class in terms of build quality.
A new Golf R in New York is $60k, I cannot imagine what this would cost if it was offered in the US. Hot hatches that cost more than a new C8 Corvette…..what a world.
Maybe, but a hot hatch customer isn’t the same as a sports car customer. A hot hatch offers much more.
@@ThrottleBodyt offers more boot space and fuel economy. And sports cars can have 4 seats too and those that can actually be useful, sometimes.
@@Pirustae are you really trying to refer a corvette to a hot hatch? 🤣😂 come on, let’s get real. A hot hatch buyer isn’t in the market for a sports car, whereas a sports car buyer can consider a hot hatch because of their multiple purposes. Let’s not try and refer to a corvette as a practical proposition 😂
Golf R has always been overpriced, but that's outright insane. Maybe VW is trying to justify why no one is buying them because the MK8 are cheap downgrades by raising prices.
When it first came out it was pretty cheap in Europe
Absolutely love the facelift model… been reading some comments that are considering the pre-facelift… don’t do it. The facelift model is so much better. It’s like they found all the things that could be improved on the old model and changed them.
The audio system, although appearing to be the same as the pre-facelift, has been tuned and sounds amazing. Deeper base and richer sounds. So good.
And the Mercedes voice control is 99% accurate. Especially the hot words like “next track”, or “show map”… you can talk and talk, but when you say those key phrases, it will do what you want. No need to say Hey Mercedes! Works VERY well.
The steering wheel feels great. Haven’t had any issues with the touch buttons - but you can also reduce its sensitivity… I’ve got it set to the lowest sensitivity.
And the driving - it’s just as amazing as always. Love this car, and love this version.
Sounds like you owned the pre face lift version and then got a new facelift. I only test drove the pre facelift before ordering the facelift, so I couldn't tell what the more subtle differences were.
The greatest performance in a hot hatch but just packaged in what basically is a go-kart in terms of build quality
This car is a good example of mercedes as a whole. Beautiful impracticality
Why is it impractical? It’s really practical. I’ve got an A35 so the same size and it’s amazingly practical.
I owned the old model and have the new 2023 model......... Just one point I'd like to mention the suspension in comfort mode is a lot more compliant than the old model, and is much better for an everyday car
"The faster you drive it the better it becomes". I love that! That should be everyone's philosophy when driving!
'The sound is better inside' literally the one thing you DONT want to hear with an AMG
You know the speakers are working overtime to produce that sound😂
The Mercedes A-Class is best in class since day one.
My brother just recently bought an AMG and I was out driving it this weekend I am so in love with these right now the cars Mercedes are putting out now are so good to drive need to get my hands on one of these some day soon
Not a single mention of its closest match - RS3
Rs3 it's disappointing considering engine size vs power output
It wasn't worth mentioning the Audi rs3, overall the A45s is better.
I love my A35 and this one is even better. I've seen it on the race track a few times and it's definitely faster than me, especially out of the corners.
And it does look meaner with the panamericana grill.
Removing the track pad though, what a fail...
How do you afford such a nice car! I need to get into your job profession
@@-Tetsuo- these cars are not hard to afford if you have any professional career
@@kda3113 cap any career is cap maybe high paying careers is an appropriate answer
@wonderofu-
You can get a car like this on part finance and pay off the difference monthly. An average job with an inexpensive lifestyle is all you need. I drive a newish BMW 440i and I'm not rich.
Considering trading it in for the A45 though, which is why I'm here ;)
I'd still prefer an RS3. Maybe not quite as engaging to drive but that engine noise though 😲😲😲
Well. The old A45 still sounds better then the RS3 and the new A45.
Unless the RS3 has been tuned
It's hard to say that this competes with the focus ST, given that this is double the price and some, of a brand new Focus ST.
If you bought a Focus ST and ploughed 30k into mods, it would be a better car that the A45.
I do however love the A45.
I'm so pissed that we never got this bad boy in the States. It's amazing!
I used to have a CLA45 AMG and I loved it very much, but didn't like the way the rear looked.
I now have an F80 M3 and while it's a lot better looking and performance-wise, I would've loved to own one of these.
For 63K, you get:
1. Flimsy rear wing
2. Flimsy front bumper
3. Fake air intake vents
4. Sub par leather
5. False quad exhaust tips
6. Same power output as previous version
7. Fake engine noise through speakers
8. Engine noise significantly reduced on the outside.
The Honda Type R has more value for money than this "king of the hot hatches"
This guy gives the most honest reviews ever
A car that rewards you the more you push it is all well and good until you're driving something that goes from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. Hyper hatches need to be fun at low speeds and that's why FWD hot hatches tend to be the better vehicle to own for most.
True!
The A classes with 4matic+ (so the 35 and 45 are included obv) are heavily front biased when you arent going full ham. As long as the 4matic system doesnt see a need to be "active" its 70% front~. The 4matic+ system also allows for 100% rear or front/left and right side if neccesarry. Unlike the normal 4matic system (without the +) which can only decide between more front or back.
@@alexwithanxMy comment is more referring to the power output of the A45S rather than the drivetrain layout. Hyper hatches with all their tech and weight don't really excite much at low speeds and therefore are essentially rendered useless as a daily machine driving at the speed limit. A FWD hot hatch though...... very different story.
@@ajames718 no one wants 420hp and fwd!
I love the A45s , look mean & interior is so advanced 💯
I had one 3 years ago Very quick but cheap nasty build quality Cabin rattled and lots of probs with it glad to get rid
Mines running 15mm spacers front/rear and miltek non res. Looks and sounds phenomenal
Tell me how’s the ride quality and tyres noise??I haven’t heard good things..
The RS3 is the actual king again based on the drag race results mate
Mercedes is missing lots of sales not selling this vehicle in the US. I love hatchbacks! The first car I bought as a teen was a PT Cruiser (hatchback). They say Americans aren't having as many kids. So... less people to haul around. We have all these huge SUVs here... why 🤷♀️ we need more vehicles here like this. Where I live in North, Texas someone has one of these. Every time I see this person drive past me, I about break my neck staring at this car!
Any reason why it's biggest rival the rs3 wasn't mentioned?
Given the minor revisions and poor build, an extra 10k is actually very poor value.
Anyone who buys the facelift can expect prices to tank instantly because the pre - facelift is so similar.
If you want a proper hot hatch, buy a Type R. If you want a engine focused hot hatch, get an RS3.
I agree with most of it, but strangely, I got a much bigger kick out of the 2.0 in the a45/ls than the 5 pot in the Rs3. The rs3 is just sooo numb. 60-70k for any hatchback is crazy to me either way. Type r ftw.
Nobody is choosing those over this
@@lesego2933 yes they are lol. Type r every day.
@@ThrottleBody GR Yaris for me
@@ChrisBrown-dy8ts I’d take a gr Yaris too..but I’ve got a dog 😂 so type r it is
Its really a bummer that this car is not available in the US.
If this is the last update, it would have been nice to see actual changes to the interior & exterior. The C class interior would be perfect for a car like this
The unturned music
Based on this review, the Mercedes AMG A45 Is a beast, good, best interior, new entertainment system ✨
If i am not wrong the 4 cylinder engine in the new C63 is currently the most powerful 4 cylinder engine in the world
It's the same engine and same power from the engine, just has electric motors which boost the total power up.
@suhail1200 That is incorrect. The C63S has 476 PS and 545 Nm from the engine alone, the total hybrid power is 680 PS.
The A45S only has a turbo, the C63S has a turbo and an electric supercharger, hence the power increase.
@@looks-suspicious yes sorry my bad.
Regarding the exhaust sound that can be heard inside the car, it is actually 'real exhaust' sound that is picked up by a microphone under the car and amplified through the sound system.
I wish we got this in the US. Would be such a great daily.
Daily at the mercedes service center
@@mitchellsteindler Lets hear what you drive then since all you guys can say is mercedes always needing repairs or got a renault engine. Lets hear what you drive then Mitchell
@happyhero1093 a mercedes my dude 🤣. But then I wised up and got a mazda and my life is infinitely better. Still have the merc in the drive though, it looks nice.
@@mitchellsteindler And thats fine
It's interesting you compare the car to a Focus ST and a Golf GTI, but surely its natural competiton would be the RS3 hatch and Golf R much more than the GTI.
Could be. But the ST/GTI are the benchmark for handling and fun, which is what hot hatch buyers want. -RR
@@AutoTraderTV ah ok, so does that mean you would say this one is a better handling and more fun hatch than the RS3 or the Golf R? Both of them offer the abiility to send more power to either rear wheel as with the A45 so I would have thought that would make them comparable...
But from the sound of it you are putting this along with the ST and GTI in a category above the RS3 and Golf R when it comes to fun?
@@Zeratul199 I’d say it’s more fun than the RS3 and Golf R, yes. ST is the king of handling. GTI a close second. That’s my personal opinion.
@@AutoTraderTV ok great thanks, appreciate the replies
Good video yet the new a45s the one he’s in has a 48v battery to assist by 100nm of torque instantly yet no mention of that
Other than the full screen apple car play, the pre-facelift is far better. Better steering wheel, more customisable and better looking dials, track pad and better DRL design in my opinion.
I’m confused isn’t the rs3 faster because every race I seen the a45s loses against it so can someone enlighten me ???
I was going to say the same thing...he repeated the line that the A45s is the fastest hot hatch ever and that no other hot hatch comes even close - twice! And I'm like - hasn't the new RS3 been faster in almost every comparison test they did so far? Surely he would be aware of that...
I will enlighten you and tell you the A45S is the faster car around a track and faster in a rolling race. The RS3 only has the edge from a standing start. 0-100km/h only races are overrated.
@@6ixtynine so basically like I said the rs3 is faster. I watched the videos on car wow with the new rs3 vs the a45s and a few other cars bmw m2 etc and launched the rs3 was quicker and rolling races it was also quicker and there is a recent video where these two are put together with some other cars and the rs3 is quicker again. His point was no other hothatch accelerates like the a45s but clearly there is another that can and better. Maybe on a track the a45s is quicker but his comments in his review were based around acceleration. And I am sure his reviewed the new rs3 so he could of phased it differently. Both cars are amazing hothatches regardless I would love to own one
@@alenalavanja6543 I had to retrace my steps back and go back to carwow videos and in a straight line rolling and launching the rs3 beats it. So if this new facelift is exactly the same engine power/weight how would it be any different
@@paulmichael3844 once again you’re basing all your facts on carwow videos. Even Matt from carwow did independent tests on A45S and it was quicker than manufacturer claims. Different day different conditions different results. Again your basing it on standing start acceleration tests and before you go on about the rolling race you need to watch other videos besides carwow.
If I can get one right now it's the 2023 model. Stupid all these manufacturers claiming its next years model. Bar that great review.
Shakin' that A45S
🤣
The only competitor to this is the RS3, how you didn’t even mention it is just weird....Starting to doubt you
Rory, as always a superb review. This is the best car ...by some margin..that Mercedes [AMG] produce. Current Mercedes design language and build quality nowhere near what it should be. And this is the last A45...shame. Thank you.
Still playing second fiddle to the new RS3 in so many ways.
Not really this is a 4 cyl and an Rs3 is a 5cyl. They drive different and are completely dissimilar. I wouldn't want that laggy rs3 gearbox and please don't tell me to get a gearbox tune.
The gearbox isn't laggy at all 😂 I test drove the a45s and you'd be hard pushed to say it's a better box 🤷
@@suhail1200and I wouldn’t wanna pay serval k on top for a poorly built 4 pot. That’s why I ordered a RS3, in terms of looks the 45 ain’t even close.
I have an 8y rs3 saloon with carbon pack, b&f sound and dynamic pack(ceramic brakes, increased top speed). It’s a rocket ship and I love it to bits coming from a mk 8 and a 7.5 golf r. I was in a clients a35 amg saloon today and was majorly underwhelmed by it, especially with being in the drivers seat. Thought the 2 golf r’s were better tbh. Can the a45s be a great deal better than what I experienced from the a35 today?
@@fjudgee9765 Its not poorly built. You can argue an golf R is better built than an RS3. Saying an a45s doesn't look good is ballistic, an RS3 with the whole front grill covered in fake honeycomb plastic and has fake vents too isn't ideal as well.
I love Merc's, but disappointed that this one never makes the HP it should
Keeps talking about the golf GTI... surely he should be comparing it with the rs3 and golf r?
Wrong. Should be compared to RS3 only.
*A35* should be compared to S3 and golf R
No mention of the rs3? Strange.
I still remember the comparison between the A45S and the Cayman and I still agree this A45S is better than that Cayman! Sad to see it go :c And this is also one of my favorite Hot Hatches :(
Porsche cayman gts 4.0 different level to a A45S
Looks great, sounds………….. RS3 for me or M2.
RS3 Saloon or M2
@oceanthirteen1628
RS3 for me too.
That 2.5 five cylinder engine sounds better.
RS3 is also better looking too.
Great review. Relevant comments regarding how it drives on the limit on tight roads. Very sure footed and predictable on the limit. Also comment regarding lack of liveliness compared to FWD is true. I own a 2021 A45S and also had from new the previous 2018 W176 facelift model and the new car is way better. To satisfy the FWD directness I also own a Meg 4 Trophy R and Meg 4 Trophy 300 EDC for a daily. Let's just say they all have their positives and negatives but A45S is ear marked as a keeper.😀
I used to drive the previous gen.pfl a45 and quite bored with it...the pfl is much improved in term of fun when comes to driving...the current generation I think is way better though I still haven't drive it...
Non-capacitive buttons on the steering wheel is absolutely rubbish
I would like to see a head to head with the A45 against MG4 X-power... Just to see how a £36,000 BEV measures up against a very expensive ICE hot hatch.
Yeah, same here.
The MG in a straight line will probably beat the 45, but on the corners it would be a different story.
@ricco123tube Recently seen the MG4 X-power beat an Audi E-tron.... Where previously the Audi E-tron beat an R8. So it has to be reasonably fast ? Knowing that torque is good on BEVs , then pick up off corners etc has to be good? So all in all I don't imagine an MG4 X-power being totally shite up against an A45? Only definite weak are is brakes, as the MG4 has large plastic covers over small brake calipers!!
@@ricco123tube MG has a top speed below 130, so see ya later
Oppps I think I'm in love!
Stopped the video when you started saying that better artificial sound is “upping their game” 😂
There’s nothing like a quiet EV blasting the music through all speakers without the whine of an engine. I used to have cars with V8s that sounded great and were loud but i enjoy my EV much better.
It's a AMG A45S. Perfect!
I thought the 2L 3cylinder 600hp engine in the Koenigsegg Gemera was the most powerful production engine in the world😅
Question: speaking of the new MBUX, isn’t the previous A45s upgradable to the new version of MBUX? I mean it’s a software update and not hardware, right?
The vacant area in the middle of the console is known as the 'parking ticket plinth', or, alternatively, the 'cereal bar cupola.' 😜
I am afraid you are wrong, the most powerful 2.0L petrol engine around is the Alfaromeo quadrifoglio, 510hp
Would love one 👌
I like this Mercedes, the design and is very fast car
The price is actually tapped tho like we get it’s a good car but naa these prices are ridiculous now
nice and detailed description by a professional
They should’ve made that middle empty space for the keys as I’m always chucking mine in the cup holders or side door bin
Makes me laugh. Everybody in the comment section crying about the price when an RS3 is exactly the same price. Im looking through Autotrader and im seeing RS3's that are 5 years old with 40-50k miles on the clock that are listed at £40k and that's 40k miles of doing 0-40 in 1st in a 30 zone 😂😅
All "hot hatch" cars are rip-offs. You can buy old school Mercedes V12 autobahn monsters that are half the price of these and yet 20x the amount of car.
Sign of the time fellas.
I'll maybe stick with my( demo and me) owner 335d x drive from new.Over 5 years old and hasn't put a foot wrong yet.I do look after the old bird.
I never knew what engine an A45 had. How do they get so much power from a 2L engine? It is staggeringly expensive. I thought we were experiencing a cost of living crisis!
There’s a strange phenomenon going on right now as you’re either thriving and ready to order one of these or Cost of living crisis is affecting you. It’s two groups: Those who have money have just seen their bills go up and aren’t stressed about it and then there are those actually struggling and getting destroyed. Ask around and you’ll see it’s a crisis for some, just an irritation for others
@@jaylam Yes there are a lot of new expensive cars on the road around where I live. I suppose they are all purchased via lease schemes
Does my A45S look big in this?
KING of hatch back, we all know it Audi RS3
Preach brother...preach.
@mziwendukuntsele671 True, though 🤞🏾RS3 is 🔥🔥🔥
Nice car…but most people will end up buying the GTI or golf R,A45 S is made for the rich kids of Beverly Hills
Man I'm so jealous. Here in the States, hot hatches have declined in popularity so the only one available that's worth mentioning is the GTI. I'd love to have an AMG A45S 😢...
But £65000 OTR for an A Class? 🤣 Makes the Golf R at £45k seem good value, especially considering you need a drag strip or the autobahn to tell them apart
The Best Designed Hot Hatch on the market right now !! No doubt !!
GR Corolla as well !!!
my all time favorite hot hatch 😍
I love this car.
I seriously don't understand people that get up in the morning to create fake exhaust sounds. I just don't.
Wooow I love it with 4 cylinder
Cool Mercedes Benz AmG A45 S
Very beautiful Mercedes from the one and only Mr Rory the best car reviewer
Harry will be crying into his vino…
I’m trying to find one at this very week !!!!!! I’m very particular but I am trying to buy one ! ❤
your review makes me respect this car
I don't know anyone who has bought an a35 or a45 since the like 2015 ! Never even seen a new one driving about lol
the unturned music intro lol
This car has fake exhaust sound ?
It only the headlight and tail light that has changed, everything is the same but surely it expensive than it predecessor but I will still choose Rs3, Hyundai i30N or M2 Comp than this A45s
Thanks for the pov bits 👍
It hurts that cars are actually coming to an end ☹️
Great little car but why no mention of the Audi RS3 as an obvious competitor?
Power just slightly down at 401. 3.8 to 60mph and arguably better looking (as a saloon).
I don't know why he keeps comparing the A45s to a GTI and ST when it's 20k more. They're more comparable to the A35.
The A45s is in a category of its own, more so a "super" hot hatch. And its competitors in this range the M2 and RS3 have been proven to be faster so I don't get the statement "fastest hot hatch" when that's clearly false.
I want this car in the sedan option.
CLA45 is exactly that.
@@RG6Snipers I hate that AMG body shape. What I would like is an AMG A45S with the AMG A35 sedan body shape.
We only get the A35 sedan here in the USA. Perhaps you could review that model?
Nice upgrade kinda 😊
Was surprised this car can’t keep up with the Rs3 anymore, back then the Rs3 had no chance......handling maybe....just remembered there is Rs3 performance.......clearly it got no chance anymore.