Top Gear Australia episode 7 preview
4 Nov, 2008
43 Comments 
Despite mixed criticism, Top Gear Australia is continuing to offer a very promising line-up of motoring shenanigans for its seventh instalment next week.
Among the highlights, two of the most successful V8 Supercar drivers will take their rivalry from Mount Panorama to the Top Gear Australia test track.
Bathurst 1000 podium place winners, Greg Murphy and James Courtney will compete head-to-head for bragging rights as they race the “Bog Standard Car”.
Steve drives for his life in the new Subaru WRX STi with Warren riding shotgun as they attempt to evade a Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter in a search and destroy mission.
For something a little more practical, Charlie and Warren embrace the Granny within them to find out whether a diesel powered Volkswagen Golf is more economical than petrol powered Golf.
Finally, the infamous Nissan GT-R makes its return to the Top Gear test track with Steve behind the wheel.
“I just love it! It might be as polite as a Japanese waiter but press the right button and she’s a samurai.”
A surprisingly positive opinion considering Steve previously made his living as a Porsche precision driver - the spiritual arch-enemy of the GT-R.
Top Gear Australia airs Mondays, 7.30pm on SBS.
Location: Home / Top Gear, Australian Car Industry News, Car News / ...
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November 4th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Really enjoyed last nights ep, Charlie doesnt seem to be trying as hard to get a laugh in the studio as he was in the beginning and it looks like they are really gelling as a hosting team now, getting more relaxed with each episode probably.
1 thing, more constructive critisisms (about the cars) throughout the taping of the stories would be good.At least Charlie gave us a good insight into toyotas legendary build quality, getting that much dust in a vehicle thats built for those conditions is unacceptible these days. Oh and why did the range rover win? That wasnt really explained.
But am enjoying the show more with each episode,doing well TGA.
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November 4th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
“and it looks like they are really gelling as a hosting team now, getting more relaxed with each episode probably.”
Sorry man, I don’t mean to pick your words apart. But….
This show is SO incredibly scripted. It’s like watching a soap.
I’m watching TopGearUK again, on to season 2 and it is 1 million times more watchable (even though it’s old now - 2003) than current TopGearUK & TopGearAU.
Just wanted to get that of my chest.
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November 4th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
1. Better 4WD and that was evident in pictures of it traversing over rocks on creek at Daintree.
2. Seemed more aplumb at things overall and wasnt as fake as dust ridden (LMAO….great quality) Toyota.
3. Handled unreal as evidenced in journey and especially in 4WD mode
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November 4th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
The show is definitely improving, I just wish they’d add a few more cameras to the test track, you never really get that feeling of speed watching it at the moment.
First episode of the new season of Top Gear UK was great too, lorry driving was a crack up.
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November 4th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Is too scripted and lines and whatnot they state are more ordinary then watching Kevin Rudd doing rap dancing as it does not gel and looks sadly done! Is a tad more relaxed and its good to see massive hand movements of host is somewhat gone. To me they dont seem at ease and come out with natural great comments and wit! It seems quite crasse still in that regard!
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November 4th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Falcodore - Maybe Charlie has realised that 98% of viewers think that hes a tryhard clarkson wannabe and that he’s the worst of the trio..
Therefore; Charlie has probably thought to himself “sod it.. this lousy show will [hopefully] never make it to a second series - there’s only a couple of weeks to go before the real Top Gear is back - and I get paid regardless.. so what do I care”
I have tried to enjoy the series although I have to ask
Making an Australian Top Gear…. “What were they thinking?”
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November 4th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I would like to see more challenges when they do this kind of trips/journey.
Their car reviews should be more detailed, and point out more specific advantage/disadvantage instead of saying “bloody awesome” and “hell of a drive”. They should mention what makes that particular car unique (either good or bad) and compare it to something we can relate to (or compare it to other cars of similar price).
Apart from that, the news section is getting better. But please, get rid of “what were they thinking” board….it’s just ridiculous.
I recon they can do what TopGearUK did from season 1 to 2: get rid of the boring person(s) and get a better one(s).
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November 4th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
NM, yeah i could see all that but why cant they explain in their own words why they came to that conclusion?
Ra, watching TGUK season 2?! Stop livin in the past man. :)
TGUK is scripted to the eyeballs as well, its just that them boys all come from radio or tv backgrounds therefore have had more experience…. oh and 10 plus seasons to get it together.
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November 4th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
wheelnut, SBS has commisioned a 2nd season
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November 4th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Naughtyius Maximus, Falcodore has quite a point which you have failed to provide an answer for, all you have done is comment on the show’s editing which represents little in the way of truth or fact as the editorial decisions are based on purely cinematic construction techniques and conventions.
Ironic then that you should mention the ‘great quality’ of the Lexus as Land Rover/Range Rover have undoubtedly the worst reliability of any brand. Check the service history of any RR/LR with around 30-50,000 kms. Reads like a phone book.
Interesting road test, but I would have liked to see some more cars in there, a logistical problem with only 3 hosts. Perhaps Stig could have driven one? Someone needs to do a really, really comprehensive test of the myriad of great SUV and 4WDs out there, give them a proper fang and drive them through hell and back. Might take a bit more than the allotted segment time however :(
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November 4th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Sounds like a really good episode!
Ib they break the GTR transmission.
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November 4th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Tom I bet they red line the GT-R when its cold !Knob heads they are!
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November 4th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
I was more referring to the issue of launch control voiding the warranty and destroying a 30 grand transmission in 20 odd launches. All the americans are complaining bitterly about it currently.
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November 4th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Yeah I agree that they couldnt elaborate and state why the Rover they liked. Maybe as their hacks - the less said is better (lol)
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November 4th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Tom, right on haha. This case against Nissan is only going to grow, I wonder whats they gonna do about it.
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November 4th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Maybe get the Toyota blood out of you as life must be jaded and cloudy if that is all you follow. Obviously this is the case!
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November 4th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Yeah I might watch this one…looks like some better tests and challenges….and no aussie muscle shite!….that I am aware of anyway…but chances are they will of course compare the GTR to a Commodore or something stupid like that….hmmm…the presenters are crap still…sorry.
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November 4th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
The scripting is terrible, and the jeering of the croud to cheer and boo to every stupid sentence in the “What were they thinking” segment is retarded and difficult to watch. The whathisname dude that looks like the fourth musketeer that got kicked out for being a twit, was waving his arms around like he was trying to take off.
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November 4th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
IMHO, The show is geeting better with each episode. I’m starting to enjoy it more and warm to each of the presenters personailites. Of course there are things that annoy me but I’m sure they’ll change over time.
I loved the SL63 review. Great camera work.
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November 4th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Thought the episode last night was much better and felt like the team are getting to know each other. More at ease for my liking. It ain’t perfect yet but there is some good sidebar stuff happening between the three and I am liking it.
I have to agree with one comment stated above, that is, the guys should be giving us more feedback about the cars. We would like to know the strengths/weaknesses of the vehicles on the road trips. Nice watching all the scenery and all the shenanigans but really need to get some information about why I should or shouldn’t buy the car. My 2c worth. Good to see it is on the improve and I was certain it would.
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November 4th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Seriously, people still complaining about this show… it’s so much better then pretty much most of whats on TV nowadays, and no, it will never compare with TGUK.
I’m enjoying it, yes Charlie is a little annoying, in studio, but during his car tests and segments he is quite good. I’d like to say what was Warren thinking in that what were they thinking segment, took way too long to come out and say what he wanted to say.
anyway great show so far I’ll be watching the next episode and the next season.
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November 5th, 2008 at 12:01 am
This show is gettin’ good. I’m slowly getting used to all 3 presenters, I couldn’t stand Steve in the first couple of episodes, Charlie was (still is, sort of) a bit too stiff and very much a show-off, Warrens’ cool. Great feel to the show with that warm sense of Aussie humour. Keep up the good work guys. Anyone know how to get tickets to go see a show live?
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November 5th, 2008 at 3:12 am
It was a lot more relaxed last night. I still don’t like it though. I wish it was the Land Cruiser that had been compared to the Range Rover because it would be interesting if the Range Rover still came out on top. I think what people don’t realize is that yes, the Range Rover is more used for shopping in the city than off roading in the country, but that doesn’t mean its lost all its off road credentials. And the fact is that if you go out and buy a brand new Range Rover today, you really shouldn’t have any problems. I have a five year old one and I have been very lucky with the reliability and build quality because I do acknowledge that as little as three or four years ago, the Range Rover was a bit rubbish when it came to reliability. The Range Rover won because Range Rovers are excellent off road. If a Toyota Land Cruiser came first, a Range Rover would probably come second. And even then, there’s no saying that a Range Rover couldn’t come first. And of course, Range Rovers also have a fantastic ride, a fantastic interior thats lovely to spend time in and they drive really well - you would be surprised how little body roll you get in a Range Rover. And to most people, they look great too - unlike the new Land Cruiser which, lets face it, isn’t really all that good looking. And I think the problem with the Lexus is that it looks so much like the Land Cruiser for ALOT more money.
Can I ask any new Land Cruiser owners that take them off road - do you have that dust in the cabin problem because that was shocking for a car that is meant to go off road. That would stop me from buying one in a flash.
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November 5th, 2008 at 7:03 am
Another baby step in the right direction. come on, come you can do it.
camera work is great though, especially the on the SL63 and the daintree.
I think the bog standard car could use a few more people that have owned some serious cars though and not just scabby old XB falcons or valiants and lose the ‘what were they thinking’ skit unless they can come up with some really unbelievable automotive faux pars. yes the stavic is crap but the modern elan isnt that bad.
….and keep working on those personalities guys, there must be some there somewhere.
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November 5th, 2008 at 8:09 am
I thought much better - actually watched the whole show for the first time. Charlie is the big improver this week - perhaps a sedative before the show? Someone needs to gaffertape his arms down, though - he waves them around like a ekkyhead at a rave…
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November 5th, 2008 at 8:26 am
ok…holy coincidence
i think i just saw that gtr yesterday in sydney, same colour…. it was so quiet, partly because it was a school zone though.
great to see it in the wild though
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November 5th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Begining to really like the show except for charlie - he is a bit like Jat Jar in Star-wars no one would recofgnise if he was not in the show. He adds nothing and he looks nad reads his script as though he is consistantly drunk (even while driving). He ruined the SL63 story with his i’m 200 years old and trying to be hip script. I say dump him keep the other two!
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November 5th, 2008 at 11:58 am
When will (some of) you ppl wake up and realise that TGA is rubbish?!?
TGUK started back up this week, brilliant episode as per usual, at least they actually tested the Lambo 560, not rev the ring out of one to its limiter in a (copycat) studio.
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November 5th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
that was the first episode…things are better now
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November 5th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I disagree. The show is not improving but there is nothing else on TV. I like looking at fast cars but I don’t like the so called funny stories and listening to the hosts is very boring no matter what attempt at a witty script they have. I only increase the volume when there is sports car exhaust sound.
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November 5th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Nothing else on TV you say?!? That’s what channel BT is for!!!
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November 5th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
I think the show is improving and is very entertaining.
News flash! Its not TGUK. Its not even a “tryhard copy” It is an TGUK sanctioned Aussie Franchise of the UK show.
I think those wanting it gone because it is a franchise need to settle down and enjoy it for its australian interpretation of cars and humor.
Think of it as an Aussie Macdonalds franchise… even though the American restaurants were there first, we Aussies get a similar menu but suited to our tastes.
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November 5th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Hey, maybe they will get rid of Charlie. Don’t forget in season one of TGUK they had Jason Dawes and in Season 2, he mysteriously disappeared. Probably because no one liked him. Which is what I can see is happening here. Come on Davie, it kinda is a try hard copy. TGUK is still at least a million times better than this though.
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November 5th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Those who are bagging it cause its too much like UK version, how is it any different to aussie version of ‘Millionaire’ ‘DTWS’ Oz idol’ etc? All shows that originated in UK. Do you bag them cause they are too much the same? (if you watch them)
Bet those whinging about it will be the 1st ppl to whinge that free 2 air networks dont support local car shows for enthusiasts if it gets axed.
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November 5th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Alex,
Its not “kinda” a try hard copy. It is an officially sanction Aussie franchise. If people accept that and get over some notion of “tryhard copy” then they might let themselves enjoy it.
Do people compare Aussie Big Mac’s to American Big Mac’s?. do people say that MacDomalds Australia should close down because its a copy of a Burger they had in the USA???
Didnt you see the TGUK episode where Clarkson says “australia you have bought us”
This notion of “Tryhard copying” is all in peoples head. Relax and let yourselves enjoy the best Aussie motoring show ever. That it takes its format from an existing show makes it even better.
You guys really need to let up and enjoy the fruit of other peoples hard work.
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November 5th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
as Falcadore says, everyone will winge if its suddenly not there for Aussies.
Are we really such negative people? Is there a better Aussie motoring show? If so, what is it????
Do you really want to kill the best motoring show in Australia because of a petty cultural cringe issue you cant get over? What if you never had seen TGUK before?
Why the hate? Its a great Aussie show.
enjoy what hard working Motoring enthuasiasts are putting on our screens each week. Look at the positives!
If thine eye offends thee, poke it out!
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November 5th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Might be lame and average and learning ropes…..better then truly having “no” Aussie Motor Show on TV hey!
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November 5th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Could always give Glen Ridge a call LOL.
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November 6th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
I really don’t think the Australian Top Gear is in anyway more scripted then the UL version, its simply a case that the hosts are no where near as polished at delivering the lines.
Granted the UK hosts no each other well enough and are relaxed enough they can deliver the odd unexpected line, but for the most part - scripted.
It actually seems to be getting worse…
For all that Top Gear Australia is improving and congrats to them for that.
Dan
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November 11th, 2008 at 11:28 am
At last…..New UK series starts 24th November. A message to SBS TV….if you try another season try some new hosts, this time look for people with a personality and some wit.
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November 12th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I have watched a couple of episodes and the phrase that springs to mind is “trying too hard”. All comes over as a bit forced. Charlie Cox has commentated on motor racing in the UK and I’d always thought he was competent enough but generally dull. The other 2 blokes seem a lot more interesting. The best piece so far in my view was driving the tractor in Toorak which was a lot more spontaneous. I’d put it on the same level as 5th Gear which is nowhere near as entertaining as TGUK.
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November 13th, 2008 at 12:23 am
theres a youtube top gear video competition on at
www.petepigott.com check it out !
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November 24th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
In the words of Jeremy Clarkson “ What a load of rubbish”. Well may not have said that about Top Gear Australia, but let me tell you I watched the first night, the formula was to much like the U.K version and they tried to hard.
The following week I went back to the repeat programs on Foxtel, they were at least entertaining.
Finally my last piece of advice to SBS, run the repeats from the U.K with Jeremy Clarkson, then people will return.
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