Mercedes A35 AMG review

The A35 is a lot pricier than our favourite hot hatch, the Civic Type R, although you do get a reasonable roster of luxuries as standard. Leather seats (heated in the front), climate control, privacy glass and keyless start are all included.

However, by the time you’ve added metallic paint and one of the equipment packs, you'll be paying a five-figure sum that starts with a four for your A35. We’d just stick with the Premium Pack so you get the pair of 10.25in screens we mentioned earlier, keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors, an upgraded stereo and a central rear armrest.

CO2 emissions are pretty competitive for something this fast and powerful, although if you use the A35's full 302bhp very often, fuel economy will take a considerable nosedive. 

Safety is one of the A35’s strong points, too; the A Class faired extremely well in Euro NCAP's safety tests. To help you to avoid testing its crash-worthiness credentials, though, the A35 comes with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and a driver attention monitor as standard.

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