Last year, Mercedes-AMG lifted the wraps off the new A35 hatchback based on the new A-Class, but what we're really waiting for is the full-fat A45. After demonstrating the hot hatchback's new drift mode last Christmas, the A45 has been spotted doing some last-minute testing in preparation for its imminent world debut. It's even wearing the same eye-catching camouflage we saw in the Christmas teaser.

The thin layer of camouflage can't hide the A45's more aggressive air intakes, and it's also clear that the new hot hatch will adopt the same Panamericana grille found on the larger AMG's 63 models. At the back, the A45 features quad exhausts and a roof-mounted spoiler similar to the one found on the A35. Those beefy brakes also hint at the powerful engine lurking under the hood.

That engine will be a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline unit expected to offer 382 horsepower in the regular A45 and as much as 416 hp in the even hotter A45 S, which is more power than you'll ever need in a hatchback. All that power will be sent through a dual-clutch, eight-speed automatic transmission.

Sadly, the new A45 hot hatch will remain forbidden fruit in the US. No word yet when it will break cover, but it will most likely debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show since the event is just around the corner in March. Hopefully, we'll get to see it in the metal at the show and try to hide our jealousy knowing this incredible hot hatch won't be sold Stateside. Instead, we'll have to wait for the CLA 45 go on sale in the US – let's just hope it packs as much power as the A45.