Mercedes-AMG C 43 Gets A Nip And Tuck: Geneva Motor Show 2018

Playing spot the difference with Mercedes facelifts is among our team’s favourite pastimes. The German giant has mastered the art of subtlety to the point where you'd actually be hard pressed to categorically point out a new element. Just to be clear, we aren't fooling around with you. What you see on your screen is in fact, the updated AMG C 43. Here's what's changed.

Now, Mercedes says the C 43 is "considerably more expressive, even more strongly identifying the new model as a member of the family". Uhhh, no. The changes include a new twin-slat grille, finished in matte silver, that replaces the diamond-like pattern of the older one. The mesh pattern on the bumper has been replaced by twin slats as well.

Over to the rear, the C 43 now features a set of circular quad exhausts that look yum. The diffuser has been reworked as well, and Mercedes claims improves "air flow characteristics" at the rear. And it's not just the rear that's been redesigned for aero benefits. The boffins at AMG have put their alloy wheels in the wind tunnel as well. While developing the new "Aero" wheels (their words, not ours) the blokes aimed for "optimum combination of aerodynamics, weight and brake cooling, together with maximum performance and reduced fuel consumption". Whew. They do look good, though. It gets a staggered setup, with 225/45 R18s at the front and 245/40 R18s at the rear. If you're feeling extra gangsta you can opt for bigger 19-inch wheels with a 225/40 front and a 255/35 rear.

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The interior remains unchanged, so it still is a mish-mash of art leather, alcantara, brushed aluminium and carbon fibre trims. Updates include a new flat-bottom steering wheel and a 12.3-inch TFT screen in place of the instrument cluster. And if that's not enough change for you, there's an optional AMG styling package that gets you a front splitter, broader side skirts and some gloss black trinkets.

The biggest update comes in the form of a power bump. The C 43 continues to be powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine (yes, we hear the purists cringing). It now makes 390PS of power instead of the earlier 367PS. Peak torque remains unchanged at 520Nm. All those horses are sent to all four wheels via Mercedes' rear-biased 4Matic all-wheel-drive system paired with the 9-speed transmission. 0-100kmph, Mercedes says, takes 4.7 seconds, whereas top speed is limited to 250kmph.

Mercedes-AMG already sells the C 43 sedan in India and we expect the updated version to be introduced shortly. The brand recently confirmed that it will be looking at launching one product per month this year, and the baby AMG could be on the radar for late 2018.