Mercedes-AMG A45 to get substantial speed boost

Mercedes’ A-Class hatchback will be getting a substantial speed boost in 2019 as an AMG-tuned A45 hot hatch is heading for showrooms.

Days after the carmaker launched a teaser trailer for the A45, the hatchback’s performance specs were leaked online by German insurance firm HUK24, Auto Express reports.

The website allowed users to select the new A45 as a vehicle to insure, revealing the car’s performance output and engine configuration, the magazine says.

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If the information from the insurance firm is correct, the A45 will be available with two power outputs - a 382bhp model and a 416bhp S variant, Motor1 reports.

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Power comes from a 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine, which has been specially developed for the new hot hatch, the motoring site says. Both A45 and A45 S models will be equipped with four-wheel drive systems and seven-speed automatic transmissions.

Along with the website leak, Autocar says AMG A45 versions of the A-Class saloon, known as the CLA, have been spotted testing wearing a relatively thin layer of camouflage.

The standard CLA is expected to make its world debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, running from 8 to 12 January, though the A45 hatchback and saloon variants are due to arrive at the Geneva Motor Show, which gets under way on 7 March.

Sales for the A45 should open shortly after its grand unveiling, with prices expected to start at around £45,000, says Auto Express.