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    Mercedes AMG: Stepping things up

    Mercedes- AMG are stepping up on the accelerator as far as their sedans and hatches go and they are in the process of giving their loyal clients plenty to choose from. And with this comes a series of phenomenal AMG engines, which includes the Mercedes-AMG A45 S Hatch, Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S and the Mercedes-AMG 35 range.
    Image credit: Naresh Maharaj
    Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

    I had the distinct pleasure of putting all three power machines through their paces recently at the Zwartkops Raceway. Talk about hot laps. The speed is just very incredible but I have to add the braking and cornering was up there where the Mercedes AMG belongs.

    Certainly more performance, more driving pleasure, more lifestyle: two new performance models, based on the Mercedes-AMG A45 S and the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S, are reinforcing Mercedes-AMG in its position of leadership in the market segment for superbly sporty compact cars.

    AMG CLA 35 and the AMG A 35

    The colours of the latest AMG line-up is strikingly attractive and each variant is outstanding and a head-turner. The A35 4Matic is the first Mercedes-AMG of its kind. The market segment for powerful, sporty compact cars continues to be a highly dynamic growth area.

    The introduction of the Mercedes-AMG A35 hatch and sedan and the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 is proof that AMG continues to grow and excel in its driving performance ethos. So who are the clients that Mercedes AMG are targeting?

    Image credit: Naresh Maharaj
    Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

    I would say it’s aimed for younger sect looking for a high level of performance and style, to fit into their everyday lifestyle. They expect exciting design from their vehicle alongside superior performance and inspiring handling characteristics.

    True driving performance: AMG DNA

    The development of the A35 4Matic was integrated into the development process of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class from the start, making it possible to inject the AMG DNA into every relevant detail.

    The result can certainly be experienced by the driver in the form of authentic driving performance.

    The handling is superb and I was in complete control of the vehicles I drove on the track as well as on normal tarred roads. They stay stuck to the road and obeys all commands of the driver, whether fast acceleration, winding corners and excellent braking.

    The high-performance braking system ensures fade-resistant deceleration and short braking distances.

    0-100kmph in 4.7 secs

    The exceptional driving dynamics of this Compact Class AMG range are ensured by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbo engine that generates 225kW of power, the AMG Speedshift DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission, the AMG suspension and the variable AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel drive. This results in a 0- 100km/h sprint time of just 4.7 seconds for the hatch, 4.8 seconds for the sedan, and 4.9 seconds for the CLA 35.

    The design of the new range draws unmistakable influences from motor racing, adding characteristic AMG elements to the design idiom of the A-Class.

    The radiator grille with twin louvres, the AMG Line front apron with flics on the air intakes, a front splitter and silver chrome trims on the louvres in the outer air intakes are distinguishing features at the front.

    Inside out

    The interior of the Mercedes-AMG 35 4Matic range features a combination of sporty design and sophisticated details, including the MBUX multimedia system, with its innovative operating and display concept. MBUX creates an even closer connection between the vehicle, driver and passengers.

    Needless to say, the Mercedes-AMG 35 4Matic range also comes with trailblazing voice control, activated with the words “hey Mercedes”. Thanks to artificial intelligence, MBUX recognises and understands nearly all sentences from the fields of infotainment and vehicle operation, even if they are expressed indirectly.

    Image credit: Naresh Maharaj
    Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

    But it is on the road where the new range comes into its own. Dynamism, agility and performance – these three attributes characterise the standard all-wheel-drive of the new Mercedes-AMG AMG 35 4Matic range.

    The five AMG Dynamic Select driving programs - Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport + and Individual enable a wide range of vehicle characteristics from comfortable to dynamic. They change relevant parameters, such as the response of the engine and transmission.

    Price on application at your nearest Mercedes dealership.

    About Naresh Maharaj

    Naresh Maharaj is a petrol head who loves cars and writing about them. He is also a Member of the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists. Naresh is also an international sports correspondent and an acclaimed corporate MC and voice-over artist. Naresh is a sports/news producer for community radio stations and also an award-winning sports journalist. Contact Naresh on moc.liamg@123jarahamn.
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