Monday night’s episode of Top Gear Australia was a bit of a hit and miss affair. The amphibious car challenge (pictured above) was quite good, if a little predictable. But, like previous TGA segments, it didn’t really forge a meaningful conclusion. Although, watching the car start up first go and drive out of the water was pretty cool.
Charlie’s test of the Audi R8 had all the right ingredients, but he, and the SBS crew didn’t quite get the mix right. Good, but not spectacular. Oh, I love watching a car doing donuts as much as the next person, but it really is time for Top Gear Australia to drop the fascination. Repeated power sliding, good. Repeated donuts, bad.
The Toorak Tractor gag was actually pretty good I thought. However, where Top Gear (Series 12 starts in a few days) almost stumbled into being irreverent with similar stunts, being forced from the outset doesn’t always come off every time for TGA. Still, I liked this clip, even if the Saab at the end was probably a set up.
As much as I am loathe to say it, Shannon Noll was the surprise packet in this episode of Top Gear Australia. “Yeah mate!” Can’t say I’m too keen on his music, but the kid can drive. And more power to him for that.
Steve’s BMW 135i review was not too bad. Mainly because the 135i is shaping up as being a truly modern classic. The camera work was well shot, and despite sneaking in a few faster public road sequences, the let’s-drive-slowly-and-not-upset-the-wowsers still doesn’t look as exciting as the cars deserve. I expect there’ll be a few complaints from said wowsers, too, at the 135i crossing double white lines at one stage.
After last week’s episode, this week’s was a minor disappointment. Sticklers continuing to compare the show, blow by blow, to the UK original will no doubt be very harsh in their criticism. Those willing to judge the show for the light entertainment it is intended to be, however, will still be looking forward to next week’s show.
More pics after the jump.