MERCEDES BENZ A45 AMG PRE-FACELIFT

 The A45 is also the first hot hatch that Mercedes’ AMG tuning division has ever built, and it’s gone all out with its initial attempt: there’s a 355bhp turbocharged engine, four-wheel drive, a seven-speed twin-clutch paddleshift gearbox, and the performance to embarrass a Porsche 911.

This used to be wrapped nardo grey, but with a bit of persuasion, we were allowed to pull the wrap off, which really changed the car. This one had a bigger intercooler, air intake system and a custom exhaust, which meant it churned out 420bhp on the dyno.