New vs used Mercedes-AMG A45: what are top 3 differences?

The Mercedes-AMG A45 was the first compact class vehicle to receive performance treatment from the brand in just over 45-years. The small model was not only created to take on the highly contest performance hatchback segment but to dominate it as it featured the most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine in the world at the time. 

 

Related: Top 3 Mercedes-AMG A-Class features that stand out from the competition.

 

With the new A45 S model, the German automaker once again turned up the power to retain the position of the most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine in the world. But they didn't only introduce more power, the engineers have added multiple braces throughout the vehicle's construction to stiffen up the drive and more importantly, get the power to the ground.

 

1. Styling

The outgoing W176 model offered a muscular design package with the facelifted variant incorporating an aggressive spoiler lip under the front splitter, a rear apron with a diffuser insert and an AMG spoiler lip on the roof spoiler. While distinctly sporty, the W176 still retained some of the soft lines and rounded design cues from the A-Class it was based on.

The new W177 derivatives see more aggressive styling from the outset resulting in a sharper, more angular design package in A45 S guise. The front grille features verticle slats as with other Mercedes-AMG models while lower down, aerodynamic fins are incorporated not only for the more aggressive look but also directing air to create downforce and directional stability. 

The new A45 S specified with the AMG Aerodynamic package includes a modified front splitter and an additional diffuser blade, side spoiler lips on the rear apron and rear spoiler. Customers can also opt between 19-inch light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design or 19-inch forged wheels in a cross-spoke design.

 

2. Interior

The older W176 models still offered a traditional instrument cluster in a double-tube design. Centrally features an 8.0-inch TFT colour screen installed with a more basic infotainment system. The dashboard incorporates a more rounded design with carbon fibre texture throughout and contrasted by the red surrounds on the rounded air vents. 

The red theme continues to the topstitching on the ARTICO leather and DINAMICA microfibre seats as well as the safety belts. Dissimilar, the A45 S incorporates yellow topstitching and seatbelts. The dashboard, which incorporates a horizontal design, offers more soft-touch leather panels. One of the most notable changes is the new digital instrument cluster and infotainment screens, each measuring 10.25-inches. 

The A45 S also offers an upgraded MBUX infotainment system which can be controlled with voice commands, touchpads on the steering wheel and a centrally fitted touchpad. The multifunction steering wheel also offers two new dials, one to choose between the variety of drive modes and the other to select individual exhaust and suspension settings.

 

3. Performance

While the sporty styling and highly specified interiors are big drawing cards for the Mercedes-AMG A45 models, the biggest reason why these models are so popular is the impressive power-plants under the bonnets. Let us compare a used Mercedes-AMG A45 with the new A45 S to see just how big of a difference there is.

	2016 Mercedes-AMG A45 4-Matic	2020 Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4Matic+
Engine	2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol	2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol
Transmission	7-speed DCT	8-speed DCT
Power	280 kW	310 kW
Torque	475 Nm	500 Nm
0-100 km/h	4.2s	3.9s
Top speed	250 km/h	270 km/h
Fuel consumption	6.9 L / 100 km	8.4 L / 100 km
CO2 emissions	162 g/km	192 g/km

*This table was completed using www.duoporta.co.za and web.diskdrive.co.za

 

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