We've officially entered the era of the Hyper-Hatch, the new Mercedes AMG A45 S, has a 310 kilowatt
engine, it has a drift mode, and it has an interior layout, that would put some half
a million dollar super cars to shame. It wins the pub test, and on paper, it also dethrones
the Audi RS3 Sportback, as the hot hatch horsepower king. But what we wanna know is, which of
these cars is better on circuit? Which one takes hot hatch supremacy?
First blood goes to the A45, edging out the RS3, in a drag race along the front straight
of the Pheasant Wood facility. But there is much more at play here, than straight line
speed. The A45 and RS3, both sit at the pointy end, of their model line-ups, with potent
turbo charged engines, all-wheel drive systems, and first rate safety and tech. The Audi is
due to be face-lifted, in the next 18 months, which means the current model has its work
cut out against the shiny new, AMG. The biggest talking point for the new A45 S, is its engine.
The world's most powerful, series production, 4-cylinder, with 16 kilowatts and 20 Newton
meters more, than the RS3. It's mated standard to an eight speed dual clutch transmission.
And this car is underpinned by a huge 360 millimetre front, and 330 millimetre rear
disc. Since we're at a circuit, we also get to talk about the A45's other feature, drift
mode.
Putting the novelty factor to one side, I've gotta be honest, this drift mode really does
add another dimension to the A45, on circuit. It's fun, it's grin-inducing, and it's playful,
all at once, and it really does add to the hot hatch experience. Otherwise, in time attack
mode, the A45 S feels tied down on circuit, with a fast steering rack, and really excellent
body control. It feels quite graceful, with the way that it changes direction. This particular
test car is let down slightly, by its tires, it's got Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber, I
feel like it could really take the next step, if you were to go with Cup 2's. But even so,
this car is really potent on circuit, it's well braked, if anything, it's probably asking
for a bit more space, to really stretch its legs.
The depth of talent on display here is phenomenal for a hot hatch. The A45 becomes twitchy and
alive, on circuit, with a dynamic envelope that will entertain even the most experienced
of pilots. That brings us to the RS3, which returns to showrooms after an 18-month hiatus.
With 294 kilowatts and 480 newton meters, the RS3 is no slouch, even in this company.
It features a nought to 100 time of 4.1 seconds, electromagnetic sport suspension, and monster
370 millimetre front, and 310 millimetre rear discs. Many people call the RS3 Sportback,
understated, but I gotta be honest, in this company, its interior almost feels outdated,
against the A45. With all that said though, it is still a really nice place to be, and
the RS3 features one of the best soundtracks in the business, thanks to the uneven firing
order of its 5-cylinder turbo petrol engine.
Not surprisingly, the five-pot is the highlight of the RS3 driving experience. It really lends
this car its own unique character, especially within the hot hatch segment. But like the
A45, someone has turned down the sound on the RS3, because of European sound emissions,
and that's a real shame.
Now, though it doesn't have the same headline horsepower figure as the A45, the engine in
the RS3 is a real pearler. It revs freely, and there are actually points on this tight
little Marulan circuit, where it trumps the A45 for power delivery, especially around
that lower to middling kind of RPM. It's a really tractable engine. Otherwise, the RS3,
is a really competent little track car, with a quick thinking, dual-clutch, automatic transmission.
It feels, the slightly heavier, of these two cars, between corners, an issue that's compounded
by some brake fade, but also a slower and slightly more inert steering. But even so,
grippy Pirelli tires, and that really smart thinking, all-wheel drive system, lend it
a lot of composure on circuit and as a result, helping instil driver confidence.
In the end, the A45 takes the cake, around Pheasant Wood, completing a lap, nearly half
a second ahead of the RS3. Interestingly though, you had to work harder, for the AMG's lap
time, reinforcing the fact, the RS3 is the more user-friendly and forgiving of these
two cars, at ten tenths. Away from the circuit, it's a mixed bag. The Mercedes wins points,
with a more generous five-year warranty and more standard equipment, befitting of its
$10,000 dearer price tag. Equally, the RS3 is quieter and softer, in its own road demeanor,
than the more overt, A45.
Even with those drawbacks in mind, it's clear that the A45 S, moves the humble hot hatch,
to new territory. It's a car with different dimensions, it's a car that will entertain
even the most skilled driver, with its performance and engagement. Now, the RS3, is a decent
hot hatch in its own right as well, but in this comparison, it's a black and white victory,
to the new A45. Audi is reportedly developing a new RS3, it's now time for them, to make
the next move.