Me too, currently running a 310 bhp Golf R so it should be a true comparison when it comes to power output. Will be interesting to see if you notice the drop in power from your A45
Presently driving a 66 plate R which is due for return in October - Have to select changeover May latest.
Most recent and previous car history is A3 S Sline Quattro (2)
£40k is the circa maximum ceiling and little below that preferred.
Have always done diligence at this time and looked over the fence at all the cars in my price band and BMW leave me cold and really disliked the previous Mercedes A series externally and the interior and so its always been between Audi and VW with that little bit of Audi quality winning out. The R changed that, just too good a value and felt like the better car to drive over the S3 and over two years on definitely the best car personally driven. First car not had to compromise performance for comfort and practicality and vice versa.
Have regular passengers and for all round usage its hard to beat the R as a package as with the DSG day to day driving is effortless, and you can at flick of a button when road and mood dictates enjoy some spirited driving.
The Quattro Sline were quite hard rides, so now had Chassis Control Suspension with the near cossetted ride in comfort on the R (19" Pretoria) ride is definitely a consideration near top of the requirements list.
Was not even considering another model, it was going to be a MK 7.5 R.
But not here to eulogise about the R and just annoy Mercedes owner, there is a reason, and its that with the WLTP delays its likely that an R might not even be selectable come changeover and I need a plan B and this is where the A35 has popped its head over the parapet!
Sat in a A220 at the weekend and even in that guise (AMG Line) must say its a far nicer looking car than its predecessor and interior is a much nicer experience (gone is the I Pad screen for one!) It felt quite luxurious and less cramped and seats were really good. Predecessor felt cramped and uninspiring and whatever the design tweak are it was just an environment that immediately felt good in and that 'feeling' is really the barometer we all work to.
The A 45 was not something ever looked at as obviously out of my price band but the A 35 is aimed at me and its grabbed my attention.
Having read a little through this forum I can see many a comment about not being a true AMG and I really get that if you are invested in the brand and really understand its DNA but will say that for me, coming from the outside, the fact that its designed by AMG (and not an AMG Line) and has performance that matches my R which is all that seeking, then none of that matters for a second and I would be happy that there is an entry point available to me.
Personally like the styling of this A 35 AMG and though have seen the nit picks of subjectivity that exist on all forums it has passed that test.
Problems have is the Mercedes Packs which is new to me as used to more granular options, as I would like the 19" wheels but not bothered about the rest of the Aerodynamic Pack.
But think I can work with the packs and maybe live with some standard, its not a major concern - The car did spec on the configuration came in at £39k with the style pack (which 50-50 over dropping at £2300 saving)
My main concern and one of reasons signed up here was the ride as all ever read about AMG is the ride on UK roads and given the R has the excellent DCC the bar of expectation has been set high (it adjust the ride even in sport setting and so ride is never ruined)
The adaptive dampers would be #1 selection on the A 35 but just because you have them does not mean they will do the job want so hoping for more user experiences from moment the A 35 AMG start to come on UK roads.
I am not expecting a replicated R experience, the ride, throttle response, handling may all have their own feel and thats fine as you always adjust to the point they become natural
Imagine this is a dream post for that someone who proposed the A 35 AMG as its confirmation that its attracted someone that has never looked at Mercedes as their offering did not match the pool I was swimming in (R, S3, RS, Type R) given the A 45 was more an RS 3 competitor.