Should you buy one?

Yes. If it falls within budget, frankly you won’t go far wrong with either this Mercedes-AMG A45 S or a top spec Audi RS3 Sportback. They’re both really excellent examples of all-weather performance machines that happen to have the practicality of a family hatchback attached. However, out of these hot hatch kingpins I’d go for the A45 S – although that is before driving the updated RS3, which is due later in 2024. The new RS3 has set a new Nurburging record already.

Reasons to choose the A45 AMG are myriad. The engine’s a joyful bomb, the gearbox and chassis are more than capable of keeping up, and the suspension won’t punish you whenever you encounter a poor piece of tarmac. But it’s the tech and how successfully it’s been integrated that probably seals the deal for me.

The interior screens look great and perform well. The voice control is really top notch – quite possibly the best in the business – and the augmented sat-nav feels like the future is now. Should you buy one? I wish I could.

What we like

Feels wonderfully complete from the way it drives to the on-board technology. Performance is sensational, and it treads a fine line been maturity and major fun.

What we don’t like

Attention grabbed by the looks isn’t always good news. A lot of electronic assistance (though you may never even notice).