The BEST CHEAP HYPER HATCH Under 20k?! (INSANE A45 AMG Review)

I recently drove the Golf R to check if it really is a hyper hatch, but the Mercedes A45 AMG is supposed to be the standard for what hyper hatches are! So today I compare the two, and give a thorough review of the A45.

I hope you enjoy!

Chapters:
What's going on with the A45?: 00:00
Background of the A45: 00:50
I didn't like the A-Class: 02:21
How fast is the A45?: 02:59
I'm confused: 04:14
Full review: 04:31
My main problem with the A45: 08:37
Last driving thoughts: 11:20
Final thoughts: 12:30

Bruddas (Patrons):
- Will D.
- Ethan W.
- TheGeordieTiger
- Callum W.
- Byron W.
- Dhruv A.
- Albert L.
- Johannes I.

Links:

Music:
Background: My (musically gifted) sister

Attributions/Creative Commons Content:
M 93, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons

[DavidWilson-ihfn]

I had on of these a few years ago. Absolutely loved it. My wife hated the fact that I sold it. She also hates my TTRS. You need to review my TTRS to help me with my argument!

[Aldas]

JB which one would you want to drive less, this or my nondescript businessman spec C class?

[DarknightV]

JB can you do 15k-20k car for sporty coup/saloon, would love to see what you would recommend

[paullockwood]

So it’s easy for me. If it’s got over 300 bhp it’s a Hypa hatch. Anything below is a hot hatch.
Chris Harris more or less nailed it.

[brt]

I've been dailying the post facelift A45 (2016) for 4 years now, the post facelift actually has 381 HP. It is a very steady ride and might feel slow or boring because of it, you could almost say it is too easy to go fast. It definitly is not slower than a Golf R stock vs stock.

[keyzprogression]

One thing with the A45 is that in order to actually experience the actual speed you need to launch it. Outside of that it doesn't feel like your going as fast as you should but it's definitely beating the golf R in stock form

[scottporter]

I have this exact same problem coming from tuned lightweight turbo cars, modern heavier cars just don’t FEEL as fast, even if they are actually quicker on the road. What’s the point if it FEELS slower?!
Agree the interior also feels cheap once you’re in an A45!

[toast]

Owned both (currently the Golf R 7.5 not through choice), I'd choose the A54 all day long!
Stage 1 Golf with breathing mods is comparable to the stock A45, but a gearbox tune of the A45 makes it even better.
The only true hyper hatch is an RS3, but they're just stupid money for most people.

[MichaelBell-dl]

I still don't understand why they didn't use the tri-star for the air vents, instead of the 4 prong look.
Missed a trick!

[jimc]

JB, although we are all Petrolheads here, it would be good to cover some best value electric cars, as I’m keeping my Subaru but looks like the wife wants a toy car

[Jayboy]

Been watching buyers guides for these, i think this one may feel lacking on power because of a faulty crankshaft sensor. It really didnt sound like it was picking up quick enough compared to other reviews ibe just watched

[Defual]

The car must be off key .. I test drove an A35 and Golf R back to back and didn't think think there was much between them .. The Golf R had lower down grunt .. That A45 should have pinned you to the seat.

[dannyboii]

You might have test drove one with a faulty wastegate, very common issue on these cars which kills the power, mine is fast asf and barely loses to rs3’s

[staggabob]

The biggest reason I'm put off these is the supposed poor reliability, particularly turbo and gearbox issues. It's a lot of power from a small engine so consequently has to run at very high boost. It might be that it felt slow because it's not making the power it's supposed to?
Saying that I watched a comparison a few years ago where an A45 owner drove an M140i and said it felt stronger and faster than his car.

BTW road tax is £305 on a pre 2017 model, £190 post 2017 (The same as many similar cars) You've added luxury car premium which would only need paying on a 2018 model.

[AddictiGamers]

That's a harsh review mate, the a45 is crazy quick!

[bigfarma]

Have you driven a GP3 ? It will probably have that raw feel you are looking for .

[Ja_nsd]

2:47 if u carried on straight up selsdon you would’ve went past my house 😂

[morganuk]

Nice! Happened to arrive first!

Edit: bugger it!

[s.s.p.]

What will be price dynamics? Edition 1 and GLA? What MPG, average and recorded-achieved?

[tomallan]

Was thinking about one of these. In a tt at the moment might just get a newer one like being low to the ground after my m135i decisions 🤔