The Mercedes-AMG A35 hot hatch has opened up new doorways for the German car brand, which now has a weapon to challenge the likes of the Audi S3 Sportback, and other models.

Slotting in the company’s portfolio under the upcoming A45, the Mercedes-AMG A35 has 306 PS (301 hp / 225 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque from a new 2.0-liter four-banger.

The engine is married to a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission, channeling output to both axles and allowing the hot hatch to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds, and a top speed electronically limited at 250 km/h (155 mph).

Also Read: Mercedes Opens A-Class Sedan Order Books, Deliveries Start Early Next Year

The same recipe will be used by the four-door version of the car, too, which will be known as the Mercedes-AMG A35 Sedan. It’s already in development, and only  a few months away from being introduced. The Audi S3 Sedan rival will look pretty much like the one portrayed here by Kleber Silva, with the exterior updates meant to put some distance between it and the standard A-Class Sedan models.

Unlike its five-door sibling, the Mercedes-AMG A35 Sedan will be sold in the United States as well, where it will be joined by the quicker A45 Sedan variant. The latter is also in development and will arrive with the same oily bits as the upcoming hot hatch, making in excess of 400 horses from a more powerful turbo’d 2.0-liter engine.