CAR Magazine recently attended the launch of the Mercedes A45 AMG at Kyalami, South Africa. The usual road and track driving was expected, but Mercedes also had an ace up its sleeve – The Ultimate Challenge. This Gymkana/ Rally Cross course was set-up by rally driver Clint Weston with the aim of testing the ability of the vehicle and driver on various surfaces. Each journalist got one go at the course with a rally navigator Christoff Snyders reading pace notes. Over the two days of the launch, the best time for the course was 5 minutes 14 seconds. Watch Nicol Louw, CAR’s technical editor, post a respectable 5 minutes 29 seconds.
For some more related content watch Deon Joubert’s lap here and read Wilhelm Lutjeharms’ review here.
FAST FACTS:
Model: Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG
Engine: 2,o-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol
Power: 265 kW at 6 000 r/min
Torque: 450 N.m at 2 250 – 5 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: 4,6 seconds
Fuel consumption: 6,9 L/100 km
CO2: 161 g/km
Top speed: 250 km/h (ltd)
Price: R599 500
