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Mercedes-AMG (Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach) GmbH has reported 2013 to be its most-successful year with up to 32,200 AMG models sold. The German firm recorded strong demand in its three biggest markets U.S., Germany and U.K., last year driven by new products and the extension of its distribution network. Among the factors driving this growth was the broad introduction of the 4MATIC, all-wheel drive system, and the introduction of the facelifted E 63 and CLS 63 AMGs. There was also increasing demand for AMG’s SUV models and the new compact cars - the A 45 and CLA 45 AMG. The product offensive is rounded off by the recently introduced S 63 AMG. Through the introduction of the CLA 45 AMG Mercedes-AMG was able to steadily increase its sales in the USA market, with a growth of around 20 percent. AMG’s two main European markets, Germany and the U.K. posted strong sales, despite the overall market weakness in the EU, and exceeded their 2013 sales targets. The dynamic growth has been made possible by the expansion of the product range and entering attractive new segments. With the sporty A 45 AMG, the CLA 45 AMG and the GLA 45 AMG, Mercedes-AMG is offering three new entry-level models to reach out to new target groups. All three models are equipped with 4MATIC technology and the world’s most powerful four-cylinder production engine. Later this year, AMG plans to enter a new segment with a sports car it has fully developed itself. Founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, today, the former two man company employs a workforce of more than 1,200 at its plant in Affalterbach, and over the past 47 years has become the technological spearhead and a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG.

The all new GLA 45 AMG expands the extensive SUV lineup to five models, and is the third vehicle to feature a rather small four-cylinder turbocharged engine, in a bid to appeal to a younger motoring demographic. The AMG front apron with front splitter and the 'twin blade' radiator grille provide athletic highlights while the distinctive AMG lettering between the louvres of the radiator grille will become a standard feature on all future models - to easily identify the AMG bretherens from stock cars. Personally I think AMG is just trying to replicate what BMW or Audi does with their 'M' and 'RS' badges respectively. The side sill panels with matte titanium grey inserts, the 'Turbo AMG' insignia on the front wings and the aluminium roof rails lend the compact SUV a special touch. The diffuser insert with matte titanium grey trim and the rectangular chrome-plated tailpipe dominate the aesthetics of the rump. I don't know why but I think the hatchback shape works better with the GLA than the A-Class? I have not been a fan of modern Mercedes styling but I think the GLA is more attractive than the X1 and the Q3 from BMW and Audi respectively. Although it is not as funky as the Juke, it carries the A-Class desgn language well, albeit in a slightly chubby body that well complements the 'urban SUV' look. The speed sensitive three-spoke sports steering wheel ensures high steering precision and agility, while stopping power is provided via vented, cross-drilled brake discs highlighted by grey or red brake callipers. The hand-assembled 2.0-litre turbo with an impressive 360bhp and adequete 450Nm of torque, helps the GLA achieve its century sprint in a brisk 4.8 seconds before climbing to a governed top speed of 250km/h. The GLA 45 AMG comes with variable AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard for optimal traction. Under normal conditions, the GLA 45 AMG transmits power to the front wheels, but when conditions require, the torque is split between the front and rear axles to a 50:50 ratio. The SPEEDSHIFT DCT seven-speed sports transmission features three distinct transmission modes, a double-declutching function and a 'Race Start' function for the best off-the-line acceleration. The shift times in manual mode 'M' and sport mode 'S' are similar in character to those on the range-topping SLS AMG GT! That is a pretty cool feat isn't it? The GLA 45 AMG is not all focused on performance though, as it returns a decent 13.3km/L while emitting 175g/km of CO2, on top of complying with Euro6 emissions standards. As in all AMG models, the interior boasts high quality appeal, combined with sporty flair and exclusive equipment features. Sports seats are finished in Artico faux leather and Dinamica microfibre with contrasting topstitching while the instrument panel is adorned with brushed aluminium. Expressive and exclusive: the GLA 45 AMG 'Edition 1' Along with the GLA 45 AMG, an 'Edition 1' model is also available offering a high-gloss black Aerodynamics package with larger front splitter, additional flics in the front apron, and rear aerofoil for an uncompromising racetrack feel. The silver grey/red AMG racing stripes on the vehicle sides are complemented by red highlights and perfectly matched red painted brake callipers. The AMG Night package is also part of the standard equipment, as is the 'Edition 1' badge on the front wing. The interior is dominated by the colours black and red while an E-SELECT lever is embossed with the AMG emblem along with the addition of the ‘Edition 1’ badge on the AMG DRIVE UNIT.