The new A45 AMG high-performance hatchback was officially revealed today, and it’s a little more powerful than what Mercedes-Benz lead to us believe.

In fact, the Germans originally told us that the A45 AMG’s newly developed 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-four would make around 330hp (335PS) and over 295lb ft (400Nm) of peak torque, before it revised that number to 345hp (350PS) and 332 lb-ft (450Nm) last November.

Third time is a charm with the final numbers standing at 355hp (360PS) and 332 lb-ft (450Nm), which Mercedes-Benz says makes the 2.0-liter unit “the most powerful series production four-cylinder turbo engine in the world”.

The powertrain setup also includes an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and a sports-orientated AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, which Mercedes says is up to 25 percent lighter than the all-wheel drive versions offered by the competition.

Under normal driving conditions, the system uses front-wheel drive, while when required, the variable AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive splits the torque between front and rear axle up to a ratio of 50:50 percent.

The A45 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.6 seconds, while its top speed stands at 250 km/h (electronically limited). The hot hatch returns a combined fuel economy of 6.9 lt/100km, which is equal to 40.9mpg UK and 34.1mpg US.

Among other performance upgrades over the regular A-Class hatch, is the sports suspension, an exclusive 3-stage ESP that can be turned off completely, a speed-sensitive sports steering, a high-performance braking system and twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels fitted with 235/40 R 18 tires.

An assortment of aero aids including front and rear aprons, side skirts, and a diffuser along with a bespoke front grille and twin trapezoidal exhausts, and a sporty makeover inside with body hugging seats, a flat bottom steering wheel and carbon-fibre-look trims, complete the package.

The world premiere of the A45 AMG will take place at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and European sales will begin this summer. Mercedes has no plans to offer the hatch in North America, but it’s powertrain will be used in the CLA.

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