It’s time for a FWD hot hatch showdown! Mat’s in the Renaultsport Megane Trophy, and he’s lining up against the Golf GTI Clubsport & Civic Type R!

So how do they compare on paper? Well first up we have the Megane, which is powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged 4 cylinder to provide 300hp & 420Nm of torque. It also weighs in at 1,368kg.

Alongside the Renault we have the VW Golf GTI Clubsport. It’s hiding a slightly larger 2-litre turbocharged 4 cylinder under the bonnet, but it’s power output is down on the Megane, with the ability to deliver 300hp and 400Nm. It’s also slightly heavier, topping the scales at 1,461kg.

Then finally we have the Japanese contender – the Honda Civic Type R. It’s got the same size engine as the Golf, and however it’s slightly up on power, putting down 320hp & 400Nm. It’s also the lightest car here, at 1,358kg.

There’s one key differential here though – while the Megane & GTI are automatics, the Type R’s a manual! Will that be the key difference? There’s only one way to find out… LET’S RACE!