• Mercedes-AMG launched its latest A45 S and CLA 45 S to local media. 

• The performance duo, AMG's smallest models, are powered by a two-litre turbocharged petrol engine. 

• The four-cylinder engine produces a mammoth 310kW and 500Nm. 

The world's most powerful production hatchback is now available in South Africa. Mercedes-AMG's A45 S and CLA 45 S utilise the a two-litre turbocharged engine with 310kW and 500Nm. The power is sent to all four wheels via a eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 

The A45 has a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.9 seconds and the CLA in four seconds dead. The top speed is a claimed 270km/h with the optional AMG driver's package. 

The A45 S benefits from an AMG-specific radiator grille, wider front wings with flared wheel arches to create space for the wider front axle, and a front apron featuring a "jet-wing"design.

The models look wider thanks to flared out AMG side skirts, while the rear view is characterised by two pairs of round 90mm-diameter tailpipes with internal fluting and AMG lettering.

Image: Motorpress

The A45 S is fitted with a drift mode as standard, included in the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package, which makes "powersliding" possible says the carmaker. 

There are six selectable driving modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport +, Individual and Race as a standard. The optional AMG ride control adaptive damping system enables the driver to choose between three different suspension control modes, from comfortfocused to sporty.

If you're the type of person who wants people to hear your car then Mercedes has you covered. The models are fitted with a standard exhaust system that has a exhaust flap which is automatically controlled depending on the engine speed and load. 

The exhaust note is more balanced and subdued in slippery, comfort and sport and hardcore and sporty in Sport+ or Race.

Image: Motorpress

Inside you'll fin the MBUX infotainment system. Users can choose between three AMG display styles for the instrument cluster: Classic, Sport, and Supersport.

The Supersport mode is particularly striking, with a central, round rev counter and additional information presented in the form of bars to the left and right of the rev counter with a three-dimensional perspective.

Don't forget the 'Hey Mercedes' voice command feature that allows you to make instructions hands free. 

The AMG track pace is a virtual race engineer and comes in handy on track days. It will continuously monitor more than 80 vehicle specific data points, including lap and sector times. After putting in some fast laps, the driver can use the data to analyse and, if necessary, improve their driving skills.

The A45 S 4Matic retails for R1 101 000 withe CLA 45 S 4Matic R1 211 000. 

Image: Motorpress