Mercedes unveils new AMG C43 coupe

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Mercedes-Benz has pulled the covers off a new, AMG-fettled version of the C-Class coupe ahead of the Geneva Motor Show.

The C43 coupe uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with 362bhp, mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox powering an all-wheel drive system. It takes 4.4secs to go 0-62mph and has a top speed of 155mph.

It is, according to the Daily Telegraph, a "Baby AMG C-Class", given that the car is a smaller engined, less powerful and cheaper version of its C63 coupe sibling.

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However, Car Magazine says the all-wheel drive means the C43 could have broader appeal than the more powerful version and could prove to be a "tempting alternative to those who would have otherwise been considering Quattro-equipped Audis or BMWs with xDrive".

Normal AMG fans and buyers should still be interested, though – torque delivery is heavily rear-biased for tail-happiness, with 69 per cent of the engine's power being sent to the rear axle. The suspension setup is also serious, taking the three-stage adaptable dampers from the C63 along with AMG ride control settings.

The exterior, says Auto Express, is "slightly more subtle" than that of its bigger brother. The bulging wheel-arches, black spoiler, roof and door mirrors of the other AMG are still there, but one or two exterior trims – such as the grille – are taken from the lesser, standard cars. Inside, however, it's AMG throughout, with faux leather sports seats, a 4.5ins multifunction display and a tablet-like screen in the middle of the centre console.

The car is the latest in Mercedes-Benz's drive to introduce cheaper and downsized versions of the AMG range, following on from the SLC 43 revealed late last year. There are more baby models on the way.

Prices will undercut the full-fat versions, with the C43 expected to cost around £47,000 when it goes on sale around summer.