2019 Mercedes-AMG A45: power output revealed for super hatch

Despite rumours to the contrary, the model will be pure petrol and will not require a hybrid set-up to produce its headline-grabbing numbers. "It's going to be the next step in every perspective, including driving dynamics," said Moers.

The A45's big power advantage will be illustrated with only small aesthetic differences. It will have a quad oval-exit exhaust system, whereas the A35 will get a dual-exit system.

Also featured on the A45 is AMG' Panamericana front grille, giving the 2019 car a design nod to the recently revealed GT 4-door Coupé.

The A45 will have its own unique chassis developments with optional adjustable damping offering an extreme mode for high-speed circuit running.

The current A45 is renowned for its stiff adjustable set-up, but the recently sighted test cars for the next-gen model look to be sitting lower, suggesting AMG could be targeting even more body composure for track-day driving in its future model.

The new A-Class is 10mm longer than today’s car and adopts a new floorpan and body structure that are claimed to provide significant increases in rigidity. This provides it with improved refinement.

The new A45 will also get a significantly wider front track and receive its own unique wheel carriers in a bid to reduce unsprung mass. It will roll on standard 18in wheels, but 19in rims will be an option.

The basis for the changes to the M133 engine unit comes from Mercedes’ new M260 four-cylinder engine. This is derived from the older M270 motor used by today’s Mercedes-Benz A-Class but has a new crankcase and cylinder head.

Initially, the reworked M133 will feature a traditional exhaust gas-driven twin-scroll turbocharger. However, AMG is also developing a more advanced variant of its new engine that uses a 48V electrical system and runs both an electric-driven turbocharger and electric motor in a hybrid set-up that promises an even greater ramp-up in performance.

AMG is also looking to endow its new hatchback model with an extra 20lb ft — a move that, insiders have told Autocar, will provide it with at least 369lb ft and allow its 0-62mph sprint to crack the 4.0sec mark.

The changes to the A45’s driveline extend to its gearbox and multi-plate-clutch four-wheel-drive system. Both have been extensively redesigned to handle the higher torque loadings of the new model.

In line with developments further down the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class line-up, AMG’s new flagship hatchback model is set to adopt a new nine-speed dual-clutch transmission, together with a faster-reacting four-wheel-drive system that offers greater variability in the drive split between the front and rear wheels, plus a torque vectoring function for added on-the-limit handling delicacy.