The Elegantly Sporty Canadian Hot Hatch: Mercedes-Benz AMG A35
Connie Peters
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I call this the Elegant Hot Hatch because, well, it’s a Benz Hatch!
This is a hot hatch, and as it’s Mercedes-Benz, it’s only available in Canada. In the US, you can buy a similar A-Class in the AMG A 35 sedan, however, with the same powertrain and all-wheel-drive 4MATIC. I do believe the suspension and tuning are however somewhat different in the hatchback—and you don’t get the fun, hot hatch feel!
This little hatchback will take you from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, and it handle corners like you’re on a track. The stiff ride feels agile and nearly rally-ready. Its 2.0L 4-cylinder gets 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque—so if you have a penchant for fast driving, a sporty amount of power, and the storage capacity of a hatchback, this might just be the perfect machine for you.
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The luxury touches abound on this fun drive. ?: Connie Peters
We love the fun, the power, and the luxury combination.
One of my favorite things about Mercedes-Benz right from A-Class and up is the all-digital gauge cluster and combined infotainment screen across the dashboard. It looks so sleek and clean pulled together that way. Also, the gauge cluster is completely customizable: everything from the colors displayed to what gauges are shown can be changed to the way you want to set it up. Once it’s set the way you like it, it’s done and you can forget about it, or change it to your heart’s content. It’s a great way to feel in control of your entire driving experience and have fun along the way.
The infotainment didn’t include the MBUX system in our test model, but it can be had in the navigation package upgrade for CAD $1000.
You could spec out this car with red seatbelts, an AMG performance Drive Unit with the steering wheel, racing seats, a rear wing, and larger wheels to make it look like a true hot hatch ready for a race, but it’ll cost you. The AMG Driver’s package is CAD $2500, racing seats are $2300 and red seatbelts are $250, and the Aerodynamics package is $1500. These are great options if you’re looking for something playful rather than practical—but if you’re buying a hot hatch, chances are you’re wanting that option!
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@xoconniepetersEven the A-Class gets amazing ambient lighting & all digital gauge cluster. @mercedesbenz AMG A35 Hatchback. ##mercedesbenz ##cartiktok ##shedrives♬ RAMPAGE – GRAVEDGR
The hatchback body style is unique to certain countries, and unfortunately, not the USA. ?: Connie Peters
What will this A-Class Fun set you back?
The Sedan in the US is $45,850.
As tested, this hatchback is CAD $53,215 which only included the Premium Package which adds wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, Active Park Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and the Burmester surround sound audio. If you want the sportier, track-ready add-ons, you’ll be looking at a cost closer to $60,000 CAD.
An unmistakable fun car. ?: Connie Peters
Who is this Car for?
I might have loved this car as a new parent with one child, as you can easily have a car seat or two in the back seat, and the four doors give it that easy accessibility while still having that unique fun factor only a hatch can provide. But I think it’s best suited for a single woman or a young couple that has a penchant for speed and the money to invest in something gorgeous.
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@xoconniepetersThere’s lots to love in the Mercedes-Benz AMG A35 Hatch! ##cars ##mercedesbenz ##benz ##a35amg ##hothatch ##hatchback ##TooCold♬ Taste It – Ikson
Realistically, I wouldn’t call this a family car. It’s definitely not one that your little ones can grow with, especially if you’re aiming for a larger family.
- Single in the city
- The younger couple who revels in driving enjoyment
- A one-child family who wants fun driving but still space for one child car seat and stroller
- Empty nester ready to take the road for fun
The A35 Steering wheel is oh-so sporty. ?: Connie Peters
It may be an A-Class, but it’s an A+ and Classy in my book!
The Mercedes-Benz steering wheel is a favorite of mine. It just feels great in your hands, with leather, thick stitching, and smooth aluminum. Not to mention, the flat bottom which always makes me feel like I’m in a sports car, no matter the power! This does have a heated steering wheel as well, which is a warm welcome in our damp, cold winters here in British Columbia.
I adore the luxe finishes even on the base Mercedes-Benz A-Class options. Things like the aluminum pedals, that giant screen that houses both the gauge cluster and the infotainment, and seat thigh extenders are great features for a base model.
A room with a view, both inside and out of the A35. ?: Connie Peters
This is a fun, luxury car. A car that I could see a young single-in-the-city career woman who enjoys driving and is beginning her independent life. I could also see myself enjoying this car as an empty nester who no longer needs the space to haul teenagers at some point in the future.
*The AMG A35 Hatch was loaned by Mercedes-Benz Canada to facilitate this review. All reviews are my own.