The CLA45 AMG is the entry-level Mercedes AMG model in the United States and the first one to come equipped with a 4-cylinder engine. It’s no ordinary four-po, mind you, as AMG engineers squeezed 355 horsepower and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque from a 2.0-liter displacement.
MotorTrend reviewer Carlos Lago took the CLA45 AMG to the Hyundai Proving Grounds in California and found it to be in a class of its own, as no competitor offers a similar car in the United States – that will soon change, however, when the Audi S3 Sedan will arrive stateside.
The CLA45 AMG reminded Lago of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X because of the similar technical layout that combines a neutral four-wheel-drive system with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.
The AWD system, described as not very sophisticated, offers the advantage of stability under all circumstances. However, that’s not good news for those looking to have fun behind the wheel, as the car’s default behavior in curves is understeer.
Scroll down to watch the complete video review.
By Dan Mihalascu
VIDEO