The VW Golf GTI Clubsport, Renault Megane R.S. Trophy and Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition are three very impressive front-wheel drive hot hatches and when lined up alongside each other on a wet runway, are very evenly matched.
Of the trio, the Renault has the smallest engine in the form of a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder but it’s not short on power with 296 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. By comparison, the Golf GTI Clubsport has the same 296 hp from its 2.0-liter turbo four but is slightly down on torque with 295 lb-ft (400 Nm).
Driven: 2020 Renault Megane R.S. Trophy EDC Improves On A Winning Formula
Last but not least is the Civic Type R Limited Edition which also has a 2.0-liter turbo-four capped at 316 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). It is also the lightest of the bunch and the only one featured in this test with a six-speed manual gearbox, although the Renault can be ordered with one.
In the first race from a standing start, all three struggle for traction and while the Megane initially gets the best launch, the Golf GTI Clubsport quickly overtakes it and sprints off into the distance. As the race continues, the more powerful Civic closes in but isn’t able to overtake the Megane R.S. Trophy. A second race is then held between the trio and the results were the same, with the VW claiming the win ahead of the Renault and the Honda.