The Mercedes-AMG A 45 is ready to take its final bow, with a new Final Edition version marking the end of the line for the highly potent but equally pricey hot hatch.
The reason for its demise is AMG’s M139 engine. Although it is still the most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine ever put into mass production, it doesn’t meet the latest European emissions standards. And so after seven years on sale, the A 45 is being axed.
The A 45 S Final Edition costs a whopping £67,965, which is close to £20k more than a Toyota GR Yaris or VW Golf R. But for that, buyers will be getting a unique look courtesy of Mountain Grey Magno matte paint with bright yellow accents all around the car and unmissable 45 S graphics on the doors. The black and yellow colour scheme continues inside, too.
Advertisement – Article continues below
This special edition also features matte black 19-inch forged wheels with the same eye-catching yellow hue used for centre cabs, the fuel filler cap finished in silver chrome, dark chrome quad exhaust tips plus all the aero elements, including the large roof spoiler, that come as part of the AMG Aerodynamics Package developed to improve stability at high speeds.
AMG hasn’t eked any more power out of the M139 engine for the A 45’s final hurrah, but it still spits out 416bhp and a hearty 500Nm of torque; that’s enough to rocket the car from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and onto a top speed of 168mph.
Once the AMG 35 and 45 retire, the newly unveiled AMG CLA 45 will become the entry point to Mercedes’ performance line-up. Rather than a powerful four-cylinder engine, it features three cutting-edge e-motors that produce a combined 671bhp.
If you don’t want to spend £68,000 on an AMG A 45, used examples of the thrilling hot hatchback are available from just £11,000 through the Auto Express Buy A Car service.
Get even more from Auto Express, follow our channels…
• Google
• Reddit
• Whatsapp
