Skip advert
Advertisement

Subaru BRZ v Renaultsport Megane Trophy track test video

It's Subaru BRZ versus Renaultsport Megane 265 Trophy, rear-drive versus front-drive, in our latest 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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Polestar 3 review – electric SUV updated to face the BMW iX3
Polestar 3
In-depth reviews

Polestar 3 review – electric SUV updated to face the BMW iX3

Polestar’s stylish electric SUV has big competition now from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, so an update was in order
18 Sep 2026
Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 NC offers V6 power for less than a new 1.5
Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 NC
News

Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 NC offers V6 power for less than a new 1.5

Rocketeer’s turned its genius to the maligned NC MX-5 and created what’s sure to be a sweetheart of a V6 sports car
17 Sep 2026
Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week
Mazda MX-5 v Alpine A290
Features

Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week

Alpine’s A290 is under consideration by evo contributor Peter Tomalin as a replacement for his MX-5. A comparison is in order…
19 Sep 2026