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

By Farzana Chaumoo

The A45 was introduced in 2012 but it's the Mercedes-AMG A 35 that has become the talk of the hot hatch town since late-2018. The new A 35 4MATIC expands the AMG model portfolio as an attractive entry-level model in every respect as it had AMG DNA injected into every relevant detail.

 

Here are some features that will make it stand out:

 

1. New four-cylinder turbo engine

The 225 kW 2.0-litre turbo engine is a new development and is based on the M 260 four-cylinder engine in the new A-Class. The new drive boasts a spontaneous response to accelerator pedal commands, high tractive power (400 Nm max. torque from 3,000 rpm), a supremely lively response and an emotional engine sound. The crankcase made of high-strength, lightweight die-cast aluminium reduces the vehicle weight where it matters most for driving dynamics. 

 

2. Sophisticated turbocharging with twin-scroll turbocharger

A twin-scroll turbocharger is used for turbocharging. It combines optimum responsiveness at low engine speeds with a strong power increase at higher speeds. The housing of the twin-scroll turbocharger is divided into two parallel ducts. Together with two separate exhaust ducts in the exhaust manifold, this makes it possible to channel the exhaust gases separately on the turbine wheel.

 

The cylinders are divided into two cylinder groups and each is directed onto a turbine flow of the twin-scroll turbine. The cylinder groups are defined based on the ignition sequence.

 

This results in a further advantage of twin-scroll technology, i.e. minimisation of the mutually adverse effects of the individual cylinders on the gas cycle. The exhaust gas back pressure is reduced and gas exchange and engine efficiency are improved.

 

3. AMG DYNAMICS: more agility with high stability

As a new feature in the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs, the new A 35 4MATIC comes with AMG DYNAMICS. This integrated dynamic handling control system extends the stabilising functions of ESP^® with agility-increasing interventions according to the driver’s wishes. During dynamic cornering, imperceptible braking intervention on the rear inside wheel creates a defined yawing moment about the vertical axis. The effect: the A 35 4MATIC steers spontaneously and very precisely.

 

The different manifestations of AMG DYNAMICS are called “Basic” and “Advanced”. The drive program selection indicated on the multimedia display shows the new AMG DYNAMICS symbol with the relevant additional term.

 

• “Basic” is assigned to the “Slippery” and “Comfort” drive programs. Here the A 35 4MATIC demonstrates exceptionally stable handling characteristics.
• “Advanced” is activated in the programs “Sport” and “Sport+”. The A 35 4MATIC remains neutrally balanced. The lower yaw damping, lower steering angle requirement and enhanced agility support dynamic manoeuvres such as driving on winding country roads.

 

In the “Individual” drive program the driver can set the AMG DYNAMICS levels individually.

 

The new A 35 4MATIC will be launched in South Africa later this year where more details on its pricing and spec will be released.