Renault Megane 265 Cup vs new, mk2 Vauxhall Astra VXR. On paper, it's a very close battle.

The Megane's 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine has 261bhp and 265lb ft of torque; it's enough to shuffle the 1387kg hot hatchback to 62mph in 6sec dead and onto a 158mph top speed. The new for 2012 Vauxhall Astra VXR is more potent still, its 2-litre turbo four boasting 276bhp and 295lb ft, but it also has nearly 100kg more to shift (weighing 1475kg). That means a 5.9sec 0-60mph time and 155mph top speed. It all bodes well for a very interesting drag race - which one will pull out in front on Bruntingthorpe's well-trodden runway?

Watch the video below to find out, and read the full road test (which also features a Ford Focus RS) in evo issue 173, on sale this week.