MERCEDES tuning and motorsport arm, AMG, has waved a magic wand over the German company's smallest model, taking it into uber-hot-hatch territory.

It boasts true slingshot performance.

With 306bhp on tap, an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph and a 0-60mph sprint time of around 4.5 seconds, all controlled by four wheel drive through a seven-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox, the new AMG A35 4Matic will be right up there with the quickest that rivals BMW, Audi and Volkswagen can offer.

The power comes from a new development of Mercedes' two-litre, four cylinder turbo engine fitted in other new A-Class models.

The body shell, suspension, all-wheel drive, transmission and driving programs have all been fine tuned to cope with the extra power for maximum driving dynamics without compromising on everyday comfort, says the company.

The seven speed auto box features a "race start" function for maximum acceleration from standstill and there's a range of dynamic driving programmes ranging from slippery to sport+ while the adaptive suspension damping system also features three different settings.

Design-wise, the new super-hatch is set apart by its AMG-style radiator grille with twin louvres, front apron and splitter and silver chrome trims on the louvres in the outer air intakes. The rear view is dominated by the rear apron with a new diffuser insert, a massive roof-mounted spoiler and twin round tailpipe trims.

The Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic will be unveiled in public for the first time at next month's Paris motor show and UK sales - with a price tag expected to be around £35,000 - are slated for the first quarter of next year.