First Drive: Mercedes-Benz AMG A45

Mercedes' new approach to the hot hatch took the world by storm when it was first released. With a 0-62mph time of under four seconds and all four wheels driven by a four-cylinder engine, the A45 was a revelation in the hot hatch sector. Mercedes has recently updated it, adding more power to fend off rivals. Has it improved the formula? AOL Cars finds out.

What is it?

The AMG A45 is technically the baby of the Mercedes' performance cars, and sits at the top of the A-Class model range. Offering a high level of performance in a smaller and more useful package is at the heart of the hot hatch mentality, and this is Mercedes' own stab at it.