We drive the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG
The smallest Mercedes packs a serious punch.
AMG's jump into almost-affordable territory looks and goes like a six-figure CLS63, but costs half as much. Based on the CLA coupe spun from the European A-class hatchback, the $47,450 CLA45 puts out 147 hp more than the only other CLA available in the US, the CLA250.
In fact its 2.0 355 hp turbo four has the highest specific output of any production engine bar the 727 hp V8 in McLaren's $1.1 million P1 hypercar, says Mercedes. The suspension has been throughly worked, and AMG's boss, Tobias Moers doesn't like the variable ratio rack on the standard car, so he ditched it for a new fixed-ratio (but still electrically assisted) alternative.
If the AMG name brings to mind images of drifts smokier than a dry ice-laden poodle-rock music video from the early days of MTV, you're in for a rude awakening. The CLA's 4Matic four-wheel drive system operates solely in front-wheel drive mode in normal driving, shifting up to 50 per cent of power rearwards when things get slippery.
Grip is monstrous, roll negligible, and there's almost no steering corruption, but it's nothing like as extrovert, adjustable, or communicative as a rear-drive C63. The Germans conservatively quote 4.6 seconds to 62 mph, so think low fours to 60 mph and 10 seconds to 100 mph. It even growls pretty good for a four.
Engage the launch control mode, stomp both pedals together and the engineered-in misfires sound like the anti-lag system on a WRC rally car.
The CLA/A-class platform doesn't support adaptive dampers. The ride is controlled, but never less than firm. The seven-speed dual-clutch tranny isn't as good as a VW DSG, either.
Fifty grand is big money for a small car and that's before you've begun digging into the options list. The best-drivng CLA45 is a bone-stock car on the standard 18s and regular suspension. Visually though - and cars like this are as much about being seen in, as going fast - you're going to want the 19in wheels and extra cost carbon bits inside and out.
Options ticked, the 45 at least looks like a typical AMG, even if it doesn't drive like one. It's fast, grippy, and yes, fun, in the way good front-drive cars are fun. Think fast Audi, but better. The rest of the package shares all the strengths and weakness of the regular CLA250: great cabin, a useful trunk and lousy rear headroom.
The CLA45 is a great first toe into very new waters for AMG. And since neither BMW or Audi is ready to field a rival, it has the pool to itself.
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