2017 Mercedes A45 AMG, 220, and 220d – Video

The extremely sporty nature is immediately apparent on the new Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC: the AMG design uses new elements to present the fascinating technology in a highly emotive light. The front apron’s three-dimensional A-wing not only has a powerful look, it also acts as an air feed to the three exclusively styled, AMG-specific cooling air inlets. Two horizontal fins and dominant side flics optimally direct the cooling airflow. The characteristic radiator grille with a Twin Blade louvre in silver chrome with “AMG” lettering is a highly distinctive feature. LED High Performance headlamps with “eyebrows” as daytime driving lamps are included as standard.

The rear apron with four vertical fins and a spoiler lip in the diffuser provides a visual highlight. The tail lights with a technically sophisticated night-time design blend perfectly into the dynamic overall appearance. Tailpipe trim elements featuring a twin-tailpipe design draw the exterior to an impressive conclusion.

The extremely agile, turbocharged four-cylinder engine combines its exhilarating power with exemplary efficiency. The car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. At the same time fuel consumption remains low and is exemplary: no other high-performance model in this category can match its fuel consumption (combined) of 7.3-6.9 litres per 100 kilometres (corresponds to 171 -162 g/km CO2).

 

 

Introduced in 2017, the GLA 220 4MATIC adds an additional all-wheel-drive version with a petrol engine to the range. With an output of 135 kW (184 hp), it constitutes an attractive proposition and, taking its performance into account, with 152 g CO2 it is amongst the most frugal models in its class. The GLA 250 4MATIC with 155 kW (211 hp) is positioned just above it.

Facelifts don’t get much milder than this. The Mercedes GLA-class is the latest compact Mercedes-Benz model to receive a mid-life update, but you’d have to sit new and old cars side-by-side (and squint a little) to notice much of a difference.

Here’s a helping hand: from the outside, front and rear bumpers have been reshaped and the eagle-eyed among you will spot LED headlights in place of the bi-xenon ones on the pre-facelift model.

Meanwhile there are some new seat covers and chrome trims in the cabin, and there’s an all-new exterior colour, as pictured. It’s called Canyon Beige; you can draw your own conclusions there as to the marketing department’s line of thinking.

The engine in this car is the old stalwart 2.1-litre diesel, which is undeniably feeling its age now. It’s rattly and unrefined, albeit able to sip fuel at a relatively parsimonious rate.