Should you buy one?

Yes, but do look closely at the opposition. The Mercedes-AMG A35 is pleasingly rapid off the mark, and responsive in the mid-range, making this a solid choice for keen drivers. The BMW M135i is more communicative and the Audi S3 is a little quicker and grippy, but overall, it puts in a strong showing.

Like the Audi, the A35 is available in both in hatchback and saloon forms, as well as its related A-Class siblings, so there really is an AMG for most buyers. Sadly, it’s not particularly exciting to drive compared with its rivals, and seriously overshadowed by the brilliant AMG A45 S, and that’s probably enough to steer many keen drivers in an opposite direction.

What we like

It’s quick and poised and offers an excellent all-round blend of abilities. It’s a nice car to live with, offering a welcoming and comfortable interior, and as long as you’re not after razor-sharp responses, this is an excellent all-rounder.

What we don’t like

Although there’s a competitive starting price, once you start speccing it up and ticking those option boxes, it gets worryingly close to the much more exciting A45 S.