Clarkson gives TGA stamp of approval

By George Skentzos | October 20th, 2008

Despite poor feedback by many Australians, Jeremy Clarkson has contacted Top Gear Australia’s Freehand production team after watching the show to give his personal approval.

With just the fourth episode set to air tonight, the Australian public have already been quick to criticise the local trio, however Clarkson has only good things to say about our uniquely Australian take on the motoring entertainment phenomenon that is Top Gear.

After watching the first episode, Clarkson commented on the great chemistry between our local hosts as well as the set design and camera work.

“Massive congratulations from the Top Gear boys in England on your Australian version. We’re loving it, even though your funny accents make you hard to understand,” said Clarkson.

He was particularly fond of cartoonist Warren Brown and his underwater antics.

“And Warren the cartoonist, his face underwater was an absolute peach,” said Clarkson.

With the show green lit for a second season, SBS Director of Television and Online, Matt Campbell has said Clarkson’s support reinforces the network’s confidence in Top Gear Australia being a continuing, long term success for SBS.

“We’ve received the blessing from the Godfather of the Brand! The praise from the Top Gear UK Mother Ship gives SBS and the Freehand production team added enthusiasm as we continue to work on Series One and begin pre-production for Series Two – which will go to air on SBS as early as possible in 2009.”

Our next dose of Top Gear Australia comes in just a few short hours when the team test the fastest Australian car ever built, pit a satellite navigator against a local Aboriginal tracker and play lawn bowls with Holden Astras.

As usual, CarAdvice can also bring you a sneak peek at what’s to come in episode five, and it’s a pearler!

Charlie will go back to where it all began – kind of, when he drives the star of Top Gear Magazine’s big-pinky campaign – the Audi R8, on the Hamilton Island runway.

“It looks like a nuclear powered supercar but it’s really practical,” said Charlie. “Practical supercar – it’s like a non-threatening scud missile, safe explosives, user friendly hand grenade.”

Steve thrashes about the Top Gear test track in BMW’s baby M3 – the new twin-turbocharged 135 Coupé.

In a film just as strange as the Smart Hearse, Warren and Steve investigate the phenomenon of the ‘Toorak Tractor’ by driving a real tractor into the heart of Melbourne.

But the best is yet to come, with the boys off to the Whitsundays for Hamilton Island’s prestigious Audi Race Week sailing event, embarking on an iconic Top Gear challenge – the amphibious car.

Having read the brochure wrong, the team has transformed an Audi of the four-wheeled variety into a road and seafaring machine.

Dubbed the Audi H20, Skipper Steve, Admiral Charlie and the ever confident Warren Brown compete in the race week’s “Best Fun Themed Yacht” award in their entirely un-seaworthy craft.

Back in the studio, Shannon Noll is the “Celebrity in a Bog Standard Car”.

http://faster DanMan

Well it does sound like it’s getting better. wow Clarky endorse’s it huh. Funny, his income depends on it so not surprised. How about some actions and why not visit us oh big man?

It’s bad that i had forgotten this was on tonight until i read this.. how bad is that?
http://navelcontemplation.blogspot.com Supercujo

I wonder if this will give TGA some more acceptance in light of Clarkson’s approval…

Looking forward to tonight’s episode actually. The GPS vs. aboriginal tracker has a lot of potential.
http://navelcontemplation.blogspot.com Supercujo

Dan: No it just means that you aren’t a slave to the tube/panel.

I try not to be. But some nights it is just too easy to veg out in front of the TV.
http://faster DanMan

Yeah but i mean i am obessed with everything on TV that is automotive related (up until 1 am today watching F1 for example and got pretty upset at Hammonds accident) but i completely forgot..

Maybe that’s why JC is endorsing it.. needs all the help it can.
AM fan

WOW it sounds like TGA is getting somewhat better. Should be interesting….

Pity i have no TV
Barry

Yeah, it seems that Clarkson is just saying that to get endorsement for TGA; but remember that Clarkson is a straight talking man, he says things as he sees them.
Tony

Of course he is going to endorse it, see how he only comments on Warren Brown, that’s because he is the only decent host. Replace the other two and you have a cracking show.
http://dodge Marcos

See even THE MAN gives it a good rating, you know why? (probably cause he is paid to) but no really, its because he has a love of cars, all the baggers of the show so far should not watch it simple as that, we car lovers will watch it no matter what because it is about cars, they things we love…sure 1st episode was not great but by the third they were rolling along, i mean what more to the haters want.
Peace be with the cars makers…haha
http://skyline The Salesman

Danman,
No comfort hosts

Wow, so Jeremy has given it the thumbs up. So far I have only seen the first episode. I figure I can buy the series when it comes out and then I can skip to the interesting, informative and funny bits, I wonder how many minutes will be left worth pressing play for?. Only under protest will i watch it again tonight, otherwise i guess i will be forced to do the unthinkable and spend time with the wife. Please be good this time Top Gear Australia, i really don’t wont another conversation about my feelings.
Tom

It’s a good show, but for a car show to be in the prime time slot it needs to be brilliant, not just good.

Unfortunately TGA isn’t brilliant, but its a good car show none the less.
JasonP

Salesman,

It’s my feeling that you should get rid of the wife, or at least borrow someone elses’!
Gibbo

I don’t know what every one has been complaining about, I think it is a great show,maybe it is because I don’t compare it to the Brittish version.
Dlr1

Well of course he approves of TGA, isn’t imitation the highest form of flattery.

… that and he’s a tosser! LOL.
http://skyline The Salesman

JasonP

It wont make any difference whose wife it is i go home to, as i wise man once said.
“Women are all the same, they just live in different houses”
So JasonP,
Tell me what you are thinking because we just don’t talk anymore. Are you happy with our relationship or have you been seeing other bloggers, you have haven’t you? Who are they? I want to know!
I hate you!
http://navelcontemplation.blogspot.com Supercujo

Dan, I think you need a HD tuner so you can watch the F1 at a reasonable time. They started the F1 broadcast at 5 pm yesterday arvo and it ran till 8:15.

Only the North/South American continent races are shown at stupid hours. Decider race is on Monday 3rd November at 3:30am on SD and HD. Lucky I have that week off so I won’t have a prob getting up early to watch it.
JasonP

Salesman,

You are always good for a laugh.
I’m still meek from telling you “You don’t get it”.

I didn’t actually mean you or your job, I meant if you think the WRX in Blue with Gold Wheels looked ok, then you don’t “get it”.

On the other hand, if you could test drive a few wives, it’d be a help to make an informed choice.
Purely for research you understand.

You seem a worked up there, Son.

Fear Not! I only Blog with you & Wheelnut….
Cupid Stunt aka No Name

Clarksons bound to say its OK, He’s collecting Royalties from it. I’ve watch some ep1 & ep2 on you tube (i’m in the motherland), it aint too bad considering. Yeh the little weedy one is a bit irritating. But Charlies a good leader and Warrens looks are just funny.
Keep it up folks, emjoy it or lose it.
http://www.AUSringers.com Liam

Tonight’s episode (04) was much better. Last week’s was pretty good I thought, but they’re definitely getting better with every episode.
Reckless1

Only a really stupid salesman bags his own product, no matter how bad the Chinese knockoff of the real thing is.

I didn’t watch tonight and have no thoughts that I have missed anything.

I wouldn’t buy a Chery car, either, but it has 4 wheels, seats, etc – does that make it as good as a Barina? – no.
Wheelnut

I think that a person would get more respect if they were big enough and brave enough to admit that something they did or made wasn’t/isn’t quite as good as they expected or their previous attempts.. that there are a few problems with it and then suggest way sas to how he plans to improve it.

Of course Clarkson is going to say TGA is “bwilliant” – given that there was so much riding on it including his and TGs reputation for one.. and he hardly ever likes to be seen as making a mistake or being wrong.
ZANDIT

Can they get three guys who could treat cars any worse?
I’m no fan of the TURD hilux or astras, but surely they can respect the property that doesn’t belong to them.
Even the W427 got beaten up by a guide post and bush bashed.
This is not what the franchise was built on, and just makes aussies look like tools to the world.
Just my BITCH for the day!!!
Drw009

Are we all trying to give us aussies a stigma of being a bunch of whingers. come on , i enjoyed tonights episode and they are getting chemistry, the tracker segment was a great showcase of a) our beautiful landscape, b) aussie culture c) aussie tuned car (even if im not a fan of trd).im a ford fan and still enjoyed the w427 review (laughed at the aerial) they finally have a aussie car on the lap times and the lawn bowls was funny , besides wats the difference to denting a few bumpers ($1000 each ) or grabbing a MPV chopping the roof and making a convertable, if this show fails ( and i hope it doesnt ive been a fan since day 1) its because a bunch of nay sayers could not let a show grow because it wasnt as good as the original. It may not be as good yet but its better than nothing. I’d prefer a season of TGA followed by TG UK than other rubbish sbs can put on
carfan

I gave TGA another go tonight and was really surprised at how excellent it had got. I’m hooked now and will be back again every week! Go boys …. and Clarkson wouldn’t bother emailing them if he thought it was rubbish. And as for treating cars badly … have you EVER watched Top Gear UK??? They perfected the art form. Get over it and give the show a fair go … that’s what we do in Australia isn’t it???
Drw009

sorry to rant again but on of the funniest things i like of TG UK is how Hammond and Clarkson love to run into May with their cars all the time
realcars

Tonights edition was ok. Seems to improve with each episode.

Bit short on factual info about the vehicles tested and abilities.

Clarkson is bloody annoying.LOL.
At least we don’t suffer his stupid analogies in our version.
QSanity

I may have said on other places time and again… If you want a worthy comparison, take TGAS1 and compare it to TGUKS1. TGAS1 rips TGUKS1 to little tiny pieces and scatters it all over sydney harbour in a fanfare of pommy bashing. The first UK season was a joke with the fat bloke.

For all the naysayers saying TGA is a bunch of codswallop and should be axed, do the above, then appreciate how hard top gear have had to work. Uk has had 11 seasons to get us hooked, Aus had one.

And with regards to treating cars badly…. Clarkson drowned a rolls royce, may and hammond dented beyond belief 10 Toyota aygos, 5 VW Foxes and 10 Suzuki Swifts (Including one that rolled onto its roof and pretty much collapsed it).. ALL NEW and not to mention countless caravans (though i don’t really care too much for them) I doubt some high end astras come close.
ultimatefarmer

go the massey next week on TGA

can’t wait
http://carbarter.com.au Michael

I don’t mind TGA, I do think the hosts ruin it though.
Cupid Stunt aka No Name

QSanity – nah you’re wrong to compare TGA with TGUK fullstop, if you really want to make comparisons compare TGA series one with sat TGUK series 5 or 6. Obviously TGA was based on a more recently evolved episode and not the first ever. Thats your error dude!!!
It should never be compared with anything its just reproduced, Australians have a different culture, different language (you would not here the word “WOG” on the Beeb (TGA Ser1 Ep1)). Its simply different.
Sexythang

yup. Warren is the only good host. you have to ditch the two because they are professional drivers and hence will be boring. it just makes top gear australia more like ’4th Gear’. its like watching Tiff and that other guy who burnt himself driving against each other. boring to watch.
Glen

Improving all the time. Plus Clarkeson calls a spade a spade, no matter what it is. Warren chatting to the tracker constantly was a bit annoying but the lawn bowls in astras was fun. They are actually starting to gel well although Charlie is still obviously reading scripts.
WVB

#4 was better again. By jove i think they’re getting the hang of it! Cox is still a bit of a di*k though.
Daniel

I’ve only watched EP1 and the latest, EP4. It seems that even by now Charlie still hasn’t learned to stop shouting at the camera while in the studio. Very annoying.

Otherwise, the quality of the show has improved since EP1.

About the Astras: as if Holden or whoever lent them out didn’t know what was going to happen with them. Even so, it’s good advertising. That same amount of airtime would have cost them a small fortune if they made an ad that long. Plus, they often wreck cars in the process of making ads.
pious

Much better. Charlie needs to relaxxxxxx. Can someone stop him from staying “Yipeee!!!”??? If he doesnt drink, he should take it up and have a few before he goes on. Just nerves, I think, the poor guy…
http://www.ausringers.com Liam

ZANDIT said: “Can they get three guys who could treat cars any worse?
I’m no fan of the TURD hilux or astras, but surely they can respect the property that doesn’t belong to them.
Even the W427 got beaten up by a guide post and bush bashed.
This is not what the franchise was built on, and just makes aussies look like tools to the world.
Just my BITCH for the day!!! ”

Yeah, because Top Gear UK have never scratched a car or treated any of their test cars with contempt.

What planet are you on, haha? Have you ever watched Jeremy, James and Richard?
Nick

Nice to see that more and more people are enjoying the show!
http://skyline The Salesman

I did quite like last night’s episode. Especially when the jack was run over then a few seconds later burst to let the car down, funny stuff. And the vibrating Ariel on the Commodore (someone should have picked that in the wind tunnel)
I would like to see better camera angles on the track so I can get a better feel of the outlay and better shots of the car speeding by.
WVB

^actually salesman, the track layout is on the SBS TGA website.
Simon

Getting better however the track work needs much better camera work and jokes are not that funny. However like others have commented the lawn bowls bit was not bad.

One thing, is everyone in Aus obessed with doing donuts in their car because the guys seem to think so and try and impress with it. I find it a real bore would much rather see the car being driven really hard on the runway (i.e TG UK)

The Clarkson endorsement is a joke the TGA people have been reading the bad comments on this a other websites and think this will help?? Here’s a tip rather then collecting stupid quotes from biased people overseas how about you take some the feedback on board and improve the show.

One more thing if TGA is coming back in early 09 can we please please please have another UK series in the meantime.
http://skyline The Salesman

True, but the camera angles are not fantastic, its like an armature footage of a local racetrack. I want to feel the speed and excitement.
WVB

salesman, agreed and i reckon the TGUK track footage gives a better impression of high speed at the last tyre wall especially when the tyres get buffered.
the cameras just aren’t placed close enough. I’m sure they’ll address this in time.
………and the 44 gall drums with chequered flags poking out are a bit club track day though.
Mack

The donuts were awesome what are you on about?.. we’re so sorry if you were offended, its people like you that make our car ad’s on tv boring.

They should have put the stig behind the wheel of the hilux for a hot lap…
Lee

Warren seems to be more of a natural for TV. The other two try far too hard and are just annoying.
Lee

Oh, and the “pre-heat tyres” line is old. STOP IT.
Golfschwein

I can’t remember names, yet. The fella driving the W427′s a ragged steerer compared to Clarkson. Otherwise, there’s plenty that’s redolent of the UK show, and that’s good.
driver

i reckon it’s going ok so far, they are getting better each episode. just the car reviews need a bit more well ‘reviewing’ (ie, like clarkson does; a beginning, a middle, and an ending with a fianl critical opinion which translates to the viewer).

also better camera angles on the track (maybe an inset track graphic) as i cannot tell how the track is laid out. they may also want to look at the time they record the show (oftentimes some of the cessna aircraft can be heard in the background when they are in the shed).
BJ

I just think it was better when Gretel was on it.. I don’t like the English version of BB
revolvor

what you need to do is compare the first episodes of TG UK from years ago to the first few here – thats a valid comparison. the verdict would be that TGA looks pretty good by comparison
http://dodge Marcos

Ok the TGA boys are finally starting to gel together, i thought it was a great episode, would have like a bit more info interior shots of the W427 but was still good, But steve was nuts to drive at that speed with no hands, gurantee the nitpickers of road safety will have a go at that. All in all i loved it, it is starting to become a really good show, but then again i love cars i watch anyhow. Cant believe they let them do that the astras thought that was funny…Keep up the good work TGA..for all the haters,TURN IT OFF YOU TOSSERS…simple…go watch desperate housewives then….lol
ASH8

TGA is much improved.

To all the knockers I would like to see you guys host the show, of couse the presenters will be stiff and nervous.
Give them a fair go!..

Would like to see them test a few new Japanese cars, Mazda’s, Honda’s and Subs.
Particularly the new facelift RX-8 and Mazda 6, and new Honda Accord with it’s variable engine cylinder modes.
Falcodore

Yes, the show is flowing better with each ep. The news segment is relavant to us aussies and the production qualities are up there with TGUK.
I agree there should be a track graphic or something and more critical reviews of the cars (good and/or bad) but otherwise i really like the show, must be the car enthusiast coming out in me.
Cupid Stunt aka No Name

Nah Revolvor – You don’t get it, TGA has learnt from TGUK so its bound to be better first off. Durr.

Come on Golfie – even I know their names now they are Clarkson Clone, Hamster Clone and MAy Clone. Easy!!
SteveC

Hmm, I have to say. As much as I hated episode 1 and 2. Episode 3 finally got my attention for the whole hour. Where the other two really had me yawning and wondering when it’ll all be over.

Hopefully it gets better still.

SteveC
stimpy

No sir, I don’t like it…..
Hyped up the Ford v Holden on the adds…”the show you’ve all been waiting for”
And there I was, thinking I’d actually get some information….
got sweet FA. (apart from the fact that psuedo Hamster dosn’t know sh1t about how to launch a Turbo’d six.)
All in all, a gutless effort I think. it’s now “the show were all still waiting for”

next time pseudo James May picks up a texta and paper for the show, they should break his fingers.
pseudo-Clarkson remainds me too much of Darryl Eastlake; both annoying in the extreme.
Aus-stig has the most screen presence and personallity out of the lot of ‘em.

All this would be OK if it were funny.
But it aint.

P.S Sadly, it’s still better television than 95% of the junk on free to air.