MERCEDES-AMG C43

DROPS TWO CYLINDERS; AMPS UP TURBO TECH

- ALEX INWOOD

UNTIL NOW, if you’ve been looking for a quick, performance-focused version of the new W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the best Mercedes could offer you is the C300. Now, though, the mad hatters at AMG have got their hands on the W206 and given us this: the second-generation C43. It’s interesting for a couple of reasons. Peel back the bonnet and you won’t find a big capacity six-cylinder like the old C43 but rather a highly strung and high-tech 2.0-litre four pot. It uses an electric turbo and doesn’t only promise to eliminate turbo lag altogether, but it’s much the same power unit that will be wedged into the upcoming C63 flagship. So how the engine feels and performs is doubly significant.

The other point of intrigue surrounds the C43’s spec on paper. Most new models strive to surpass the cars they replace but this new C43 is heavier, has fewer cylinders, a litre less capacity and doesn’t make as much torque. So the question is: has AMG made a misstep? Or has doubling down on technology improved the recipe?