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Mercedes-AMG kicks off new hot-hatch offensive with A 35 4Matic

Powerful hatchback packs over 300bhp from its 2.0-litre turbo engine

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The new A 35 produces over 300bhp

Mercedes-AMG has revealed its latest hot hatch – the A 35 4Matic.

Based on the latest-generation A-Class, the A 35 produces an impressive 302bhp from its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with power sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Expected to make its public debut at next month’s Paris Motor Show, the A 35 has been designed to slot in between the current A250 and the as-yet-unrevealed range-topping A 45.

Tobias Moers, chief executive of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, said: “With the introduction of the (previous generation) A 45 in 2012, we presented a real benchmark in the compact segment. The demand for our compact models has developed very dynamically in recent years. This success has encouraged us to further expand our portfolio and place it on a broader footing.

“With the new A 35, we are fulfilling our brand promise of driving performance in every detail and offering thrilling lateral dynamics at the level of today’s A 45.”

As well as the powerful 2.0-litre engine, the A 35 features a variety of touches designed to make it as capable on the road as possible. All-wheel drive comes fitted as standard, and can vary the power delivery from completely front-wheel drive to a 50:50 split between forward and rearward wheels.

AMG’s Dynamic Select driving mode system is incorporated on the A 35, as it is on all AMG models. However, this latest vehicle has a new mode – Slippery – in addition to the usual Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual settings. This new feature optimises the car’s electronic stability program (ESP) for unsafe conditions, and reduces the car’s power while adjusting the gearbox to automatically upshift earlier – reducing the possibility of wheel spin.

AMG-tuned sports suspension comes fitted as standard, while an optional adaptive damper system is available for drivers wanting to tailor the car’s suspension settings to their specific needs. A high-performance braking system should provide ample stopping power, too.

Inside, along with a variety of sporty touches comes Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system. This incorporates high-resolution 3D graphics and is displayed over two widescreen monitors.

The Paris Motor Show takes place from October to 14, but the car’s official release date is unknown as yet.

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