Subaru BRZ v Renaultsport Megane Trophy track test video

The Subaru BRZ could represent the company’s second coming; a naturally aspirated, rear-wheel drive coupe that’s one of 2012’s most eagerly anticipated cars. Trouble is, its £24,995 UK price tag throws it into a lion’s den of very talented rivals, not least our favourite big hot hatchback, the Renaultsport Megane 265 Trophy. Can the BRZ hope to compete? We pit them against each other on track, as they go head to head at the Bedford Autodrome.

The Subaru’s 2-litre flat-four engine serves up 197bhp and 151lb ft, enough for a 7.6sec 0-62mph time and 143mph top speed. The Renault’s 2-litre turbo unit boasts bigger outputs, though – 261bhp and 265lb ft – endowing it with much better performance figures, 0-62mph taking 6.0sec on the way to a 158mph top speed.

Sounds like a walkover for the Megane, but with its rear-drive chassis and significantly lower kerb weight (1202kg playing 1387kg), the BRZ could have the advantage on track. We find out in the video below.

Read the full story and see more pictures in evo issue 170, on sale now