What's the difference?
Think of a Mercedes-AMG and the first words that spring to mind are probably not - understated, efficient and restrained. And yet those are probably the best words to describe the all-new C 43.
Of course, before we go any further it’s important to note that the C 43, even in its previous six-cylinder guise, was never meant to be as wild, raucous or powerful as the C63 flagship - that’s simply not its role in the AMG line-up.
But even so, this new model is a dive into fresh territory for the brand and puts a very different spin on the AMG sports sedan as we know it.
This is a four-cylinder model, complete with a Formula One-derived electric turbocharger, so it lacks the sound and fury you expect from something carrying the ‘AMG’ badge - but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car, as we’ll explain.
The 2024 Peugeot e-2008 is the French brand's first electric car in Australia. It sits somewhat awkwardly in the semi-premium end of the scale for a small SUV and has some strong competition from the EV side, too, with the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV being its direct competitors.
With more affordable options out there, does this little SUV have the goods to back up its sweet looks? I've been driving it for the last week with my family of three to find out for you!
The new AMG C 43 may lack the drama and excitement we’ve come to expect from the German performance brand, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car. Yes, it could be more extroverted and the ride could be improved, but this is still a sharp-looking sports sedan with loads of punch.
This is a car that speaks to its times, with ever-stricter emissions regulations making it harder and harder for car companies to produce loud, wild and charismatic cars. So Mercedes-AMG has worked within those boundaries and come up with a car that retains at least some of those core elements that has made the brand so desirable over the years.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.
The Peugeot e-2008 GT looks stylish but it’s definitely a compact SUV and that means it will only suit a small family. Or even a grandparent who has to occasionally ferry the grandkids around.
I like how easy it is to park and its stylish packaging but the cabin feels small. The practicality just wasn’t there for my family this week and the price point isn’t quite right for the features you get.
My son liked its looks but didn’t get excited about it.