Another Hot Hatch Is Bowing Out As Mercedes Says Goodbye To The A45

Another hot hatch is preparing to disappear, as Mercedes-AMG has revealed a Final Edition of the A45 S to mark the end of the current model’s production run.

First launched in 2019, the second-generation A45 S took the already rather unhinged formula established by its predecessor and turned it up another few notches.

Its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produces 415bhp and 369lb ft of torque, sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. That is enough for 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 168mph.

Those figures remain unchanged for the Final Edition, which is mostly just a cosmetic send-off rather than an even faster or more focused version of the car.

Finished in matt Mountain Grey Magno paint and contrasted by yellow detailing around the bodywork, it also features large ‘45 S’ graphics on the doors.

Other touches include matt-black 19-inch forged alloy wheels, black brake callipers and Mercedes-AMG’s Aerodynamics Package, bringing a larger rear spoiler, front splitter, canards and a more aggressive rear diffuser.

The yellow theme continues inside, where it appears across the stitching on the seats, steering wheel and door panels. There are also ‘45 S’ logos embroidered into the front headrests and a Final Edition badge fitted to the centre console.

It certainly won’t be cheap. Prices start from £67,965 in the UK, making it almost £20,000 more expensive than the 316bhp Mercedes-AMG A35, which will remain on sale for the foreseeable future.

The A45’s departure brings an end to a 13-year run for Mercedes-AMG’s most powerful hot hatch. The original arrived in 2013 with 355bhp, making it vastly more powerful than most of its contemporary rivals, before later versions pushed the output beyond 400bhp.

Mercedes is developing another generation of the A-Class, but it is not yet clear whether there will be a direct petrol-powered replacement for the A45. The recently revealed Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is vastly different - boasting a fully electric powertrain.

Whatever comes next, the A45 S Final Edition - a compact Mercedes hatchback powered by one of the most potent four-cylinder engines ever fitted to a production car - looks likely to be the last of its kind.

Its departure follows a growing list of much-loved hot hatches to vanish from UK showrooms in recent years, including the Ford Fiesta ST and Focus ST, Renault Megane RS, Hyundai i20 N and i30 N, and the Honda Civic Type R.