Meantime this new AMG A35 will have to do. As the new “warm” hatch in Mercedes’ latest A-class range it gets 302bhp for 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds – so it’s pretty warm, warm enough on the figures to keep the Audi S3 and BMW M140i honest.
It is a variant of the latest A-class, which itself has had a very warm reception and, says Mercedes, has been developed alongside the yet-to-arrive A45, so has “AMG DNA in every detail”. It might not be the real hero but it’s still far more than a pumped-up AMG Line model.
The A35’s performance restraint is matched by a more grown-up, less bling approach to hot hatchery than was initially shown when Mercedes first entered the market in 2013. Those early optioned-up A45s had every go-faster accessory known to man plastered on them.
The A35 takes a more subtle approach, even allowing for the launch car’s vibrant yellow body colour. Any new A-class gets a simpler, smoother shape than the old one and the performance add-ons – chiefly those winglets around the front end and a very purposeful looking roof spoiler – do just enough but no more to lift the mien, in our book anyway. And the cabin looks fantastic.