Exceeds expectations
Brunch|Feburary 20, 2022
This fast hatchback may be small, but it has the distinction of holding multiple 'most-powerful records
HORMAZD SORABJEE
Exceeds expectations

This is one hot hatch that has gushed past boiling point. On a scale of 1-10, it's somewhere between 11 and 12. It's blown past any limitations you thought a regular, everyday hatchback would have, except that this isn't an everyday regular hatchback.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S, the most powerful hatchback in the world, powered by the most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world and the most powerful 2-litre engine in the world too. That's a lot of most powerful records! So, let's first jump to the heart of the matter, which is the hero engine that produces a scarcely believable 421hp, a figure that would embarrass bigger V8s.

To put the AMG 45S collosal power output in the right perspective, let's look at what mainstream 2-litre engines produce. Mercedes regular 2-litre engine in its most powerful '300' state of tune produces 258hp, a respectable figure in absolute terms but puny compared to the fully-blown, monstrous 2-litre motor under the compact hood of the A45 S. So, what is that makes the AMG engine so special?

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BRUNCHView all
Staying well within range
Brunch

Staying well within range

Driving from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar in an XC40 Recharge at night means going against the odds but it's not dangerous

time-read
2 mins  |
September 14. 2024
Forget demure, forget mindful
Brunch

Forget demure, forget mindful

Women are expected to dress their age. But why should arbitrary numbers dictate anyone's choices? Wear what you want, when you want

time-read
2 mins  |
September 14. 2024
Bubbling under, boiling over
Brunch

Bubbling under, boiling over

The year's best food yet, from Bandra to Seoul, from old names and new, from starters to afters

time-read
3 mins  |
September 14. 2024
The new spin doctors
Brunch

The new spin doctors

Come for the hooping, stay for fire poi, dapostar, leviwand and more. India's newest subculture blends art and athletics, meditation and showmanship, public and private. And it looks great on the 'gram

time-read
4 mins  |
September 14. 2024
Shall we put a label on this?
Brunch

Shall we put a label on this?

What is high fructose corn syrup? Is red dye good? Dieticians and nutritionists break down the confusing stuff we see on food labels

time-read
2 mins  |
September 14. 2024
Pho heaven's sake, explore!
Brunch

Pho heaven's sake, explore!

There's more to Vietnam than the Golden Bridge or Ha Long Bay. Discover limestone cliffs, rice terraces, and local foods that haven't made it to the 'gram

time-read
2 mins  |
September 14. 2024
No. Wait. She did what?
Brunch

No. Wait. She did what?

These mean girls are self-centred, bratty, and can make your life hell. But they stole the show. Read on, loser. And tell us how it wasssss

time-read
3 mins  |
September 07, 2024
Are you seeing spots too?
Brunch

Are you seeing spots too?

Jyoti Bhatt's serigraphs use traditional symbols in modern ways, creating art that is slyly clever and full of little stories

time-read
2 mins  |
September 07, 2024
Leave us to our own devices
Brunch

Leave us to our own devices

Instead of banning gadgets, restaurants should ban people that are actually disturbing the peace

time-read
2 mins  |
September 07, 2024
Siam Siam, but different
Brunch

Siam Siam, but different

The reason Indians feel instantly at home in Thailand is because their mix of Hindu and Buddhist traditions so closely mirrors our own, creating a comfort zone abroad

time-read
3 mins  |
September 07, 2024