Next Mercedes A45 to get 298kW turbo four

In just less than a year, the Mercedes-Benz A-class received a minor facelift and now details are starting to emerge about the next-generation of the Mercedes-AMG A45.

First things first, power for the already fast hatchback will still come from the 2.0-litre turbocharge four-pot engine but then again, its output will be completely different as it will pump out a generous 298kW of power. That’s 18kW more power than what the current A45 churns out.

That’s enough grunt to send the A45 from zero to 0-100km/h in less than a BMW M4-threatening four seconds. Power will be transferred to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission controlled by shift paddles and an electronic differential.

Also, a mid-range model called A43 aimed perfectly at Volkswagen’s Golf GTI will join the line-up for the first time ever with another 2.0-liter turbo four that will be tuned to make 205kW. The A43 will likely arrive with all-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive.

All versions of the next-generation A-Class will be slightly longer than the current model seen in the picture above, but they won’t be any heavier thanks to the widespread use of aluminium. The extra sheet metal will allow designers to give the smallest model Mercedes a more spacious interior, addressing one of the current car’s biggest shortcomings.

However, while it is still too early to tell whether or not the A will be sold on our shores, the 298kW engine will certainly find its way under the hood of the next CLA45 and GLA45.

According to British magazine Autocar, we only have to wait two years from now to see the next-generation A-Class.