The previous-gen A-Class was a huge improvement over its MPV-ish predecessor. It went up against the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series, and was a success for Mercedes.

As of earlier this year, though, clients on the lookout for a premium hatchback can order the all-new A-Class. Offered with several petrol and diesel engine options, it’s topped by the AMG A35, a hot hatch that goes up against the likes of the Audi S3 Sportback and Volkswagen Golf R.

Mercedes-AMG’s cheapest model doesn’t cut back on the Affalterbach-based brand’s image. Sure, it doesn’t have the Panamericana grille with vertical slats, as this is reserved for the more potent AMG A45 that will follow. But the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is quite punchy; more specifically, 306 PS (301 hp / 225 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque punchy.

With a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the Mercedes-AMG A35 hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds, only half a second slower than the outgoing AMG A45, and top speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h (155 mph).

The A35 hot hatch won’t launch in the United States. However, the carmaker does have a nearly identical model reserved for our market: the A35 Sedan that will arrive with very similar performance and the same 2.0-liter turbo-four and AWD system.

Until Merc lifts the curtain for it and launch it on this side of the Atlantic Ocean, let’s see what its five-door sibling is capable of in the real world.