I might be a little behind the times given that it was way back on Sunday, but I’ve only just gotten around to watching the new episode of Top Gear. Frankly, I was not at all disappointed. The Skoda Yeti review was superb and showed just how damn good the small van/4×4/people carrier/capable urban car is, the V8 Ariel Atom that James drove looked devine and the banter between the hosts was as usual top notch.
What did you all think of it? Return to form? Not as good as the last series? The Stig too ‘last season’ for you? Answers in the comments box…
James Hind says
January 29, 2011 at 6:12 pmDefinitely a return to form.
I think they brought the Stig back nicely, glad to see they didn’t try and invent some new character.
Yeti review was good, and relevant (ish!) to some buyers.
Chris @ Driving Spirit says
January 30, 2011 at 8:37 amYou’re not the only one to miss it on Sunday, it took me a few days to get around to watching it.
While this was far from a classic, it was still a good way to spend an hour in front of the TV. The Yeti and Atom features were great, but I was less impressed by Hammond’s stunt with the Beetle.
The Stig? Dunno if I’m glad to see it back. Part of me thinks they should have dropped him, but then someone has to thrash those supercars around the track. Great lap in the Atom though, new Stig is obviously well trained.
Mr Butterscotch says
January 30, 2011 at 7:49 pmHi Chris,
If I hadn’t read it before the new series, I would have assumed Stig droppage. There’s plenty of racing drivers out there in the UK, some of them extremely talented. I’m not sure why they retained the man in the white suit, when Collins left. Ben if you’re out there and reading, you’ll always be ‘The Stig’ to me!
Shine My Ride says
January 31, 2011 at 5:33 pmI caught the Yeti test. I was gobsmacked at Clarkson being so complementary about a Skoda. I distinctly remember him reviewing a Rolls, found the umbrella in the rear door, stating that the Skoda Superb has that and it was the only thing superb about it. He was wrong about that of course, as it is the only car I have had in over 20 years that I can say I miss.
Anyway back to the Yeti, the test was impressive, and showed just how capable the Yeti is. I thought the tattoo test was a little over the top, but gently amusing.
When they have changed Stig before, they have changed the suit colour. For that reason I don’t understand why they have kept with the white suit. However, all the Stig merchandise features a white suit, so I guess it was a commercial decision.
I wish there was a way that it could stop being the Jeremy Clarkson show and Hamster and Captain Slow get more of the airtime. They have to put up with Clarkson, for a lot less noney, so they deserve compensating with more time.
Mr Butterscotch says
February 2, 2011 at 5:43 pmHi,
As Clarkson is a rights holder to the programme and one of the producers I’m not surprised that he gets more of the airtime. However, the best part of the show is clearly the interaction between the three presenters as they are each so very different.