The 2019 Mercedes-AMG A35 has been spied wearing less camouflage than ever before.

Caught undergoing cold weather testing, the high-performance hatchback follows in the footsteps of the standard model and has a “predator” front fascia that closely resembles the CLS. There doesn’t appear to be any major styling changes up front but the model has been equipped with a single bar mesh grille which will undoubtedly feature AMG badging.

More drastic changes occur further back as the A35 has been equipped with a high-performance braking system which is partially covered by generic-looking wheels. The hatchback also appears to have unique side skirts, a sportier rear bumper and a dual exhaust system with circular tips.

The A35 will slot in between the mainstream model and bonkers A45. Reports have suggested the car will come with the same powertrain that resides the 2018 E350 coupe and convertible. They have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and EQ Boost technology which enables them to produce 299 PS (220 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.

If the rumors pan out, the A35 will be significantly more powerful than the A250 which has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder developing 224 PS (165 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. That particular model accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.2 seconds so the A35 should be significantly quicker.

Of course, the car’s key competitor will be the Audi S3 Sportback which has a 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine producing 310 PS (228 kW) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the hatchback to run from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.3 seconds before hitting a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Picture credits to: CarPix for Carscoops