Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic 2019 revealed ahead of Paris

Mercedes-AMG has revealed its new entry-level model, the A35 4Matic, which will make its public debut at the Paris motor show next month before hitting Aussie showrooms in the latter half of 2019.

The German hot hatch sits on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class platform, gaining a plethora of performance enhancements including a variable all-wheel drive system, a significantly hotter tune, improved driving dynamics, suspension upgrades and a hard-edged exterior.

The design sports an aggressive front splitter, 18-inch light-alloy wheels with a twin-spoke design, as well as a roof-mounted spoiler.

Using Benz's (M260) 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, AMG has turned up the wick to produce 225kW/400Nm.

Handling the grunt is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which helps launch the car from 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.7 seconds.

The German hot hatch sits on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class platform, gaining a plethora of performance enhancements.

Five driving modes are available at the press of a button, including 'Slippery', 'Comfort', 'Sport' and 'Sport+' as well as an 'Individual' mode that can be customised to the driver's preferences.

The driving modes affect engine and transmission response as well as the exhaust, designed to suit different conditions from wet-weather slow-going to maximum attack.

Inside, the A35 4Matic is dominated by the 'MBUX' multimedia system that uses two large displays.

With hot hatches still in vogue, demand sparked the decision to build a new entry-level AMG vehicle according to Mercedes-AMG GmbH chief executive Tobias Moers.

"With the introduction of the A45 in 2012, we presented a real benchmark in the compact segment. The demand for our compact models has developed very dynamically in recent years” he said.

The seats and dash are clad in 'Artico' (faux leather) with microfibre inserts and red stitiching.

"This success has encouraged us to further expand our portfolio and place it on a broader footing. With the new A35, we are fulfilling our brand promise of driving performance in every detail and offering thrilling lateral dynamics at the level of today's A45".

Suspension-wise, AMG has employed a unique front set-up using McPherson struts and one wishbone below the wheel centre, which is said to reduce unsprung mass for better spring response.

The driving modes affect engine and transmission response as well as the exhaust.

The rear is handled by a four-link set-up, with an adaptive damping system available for all corners as an option.

Four-piston monobloc calipers grip 350mm ventilated brake discs at the front, and one-piston sliding calipers slow rear discs of the same size.

Five driving modes are available at the press of a button.

A variable exhaust is equipped as standard, which allows drivers to control engine volume and tonality.

The design sports an aggressive front splitter, 18-inch light-alloy wheels with a twin-spoke design, a sharp rear apron, a rear diffuser and tailpipe trims as well as a roof-mounted spoiler.

Suspension-wise, AMG has employed a unique front set-up using McPherson struts and one wishbone below the wheel centre.

Inside, the A35 4Matic is dominated by the 'MBUX' multimedia system that uses two large displays, while the seats and dash are clad in 'Artico' (faux leather) with microfibre inserts and red stitiching.

An all-new flat-bottomed steering wheel with touch controls features, also donning red stitching and housing galvanised gearshift paddles for manual driving.

A variable exhaust is equipped as standard, which allows drivers to control engine volume and tonality.

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has yet to confirm pricing and specifications for the A35 4Matic, however we expect more details to emerge closer to its launch in the second half of next year.

Money not an object, what would be your ideal hot hatch? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below.