Jeremy drives the Mazda RX8 and James drives the new Fiat Panda and is quite surprised when it doesn't fall to bits. Richard looks at some modern classics, the Volkswagen Corrado VR6 and the Mercedes 190E 2.5 16 Cosworth.



An 11-year-old diesel Toyota Hilux is tested for its durability by Jeremy. He drives in into a wall, a tree and through a shed. It's left in the Severn Estuary, home to the second biggest tide in the world, hit with a wrecking ball, dropped and set on fire. They even drop a caravan on top of it, but still it works.



Sadly, the same treatment wasn't given to this week's Star in a Reasonably Priced Car - Simon Cowell.

Episode Viewers and Ratings

Season 3 Episode 5 of Top Gear resulted in a 0.00 rating in the 18-49 demographic.

Top Gear Season 3 Episodes...

• s03e01 - Series 3 Episode 1
• s03e02 - Series 3 Episode 2
• s03e03 - Series 3 Episode 3
• s03e04 - Series 3 Episode 4
• s03e05 - Series 3 Episode 5
• s03e06 - Series 3 Episode 6
• s03e07 - Series 3 Episode 7
• s03e08 - Series 3 Episode 8
• s03e09 - Series 3 Episode 9

Top Gear Show Summary

BBC's hit motoring show is more than just a show to review new cars. Top Gear is essential viewing. Not just for petrol heads, it also has a huge following amongst people with little or no interest in cars - both male and female. This is due to the show's irreverent approach to motoring, the humour and the priceless chemistry between the show's presenters - Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, with special appearances from the tame racing driver, The Stig.

Don't be fooled, this is not another boring technical car programme, there is carnage, mayhem and fun, with less stuffy mundane car reviews. The boys have races and do crazy things with cars - anything from driving them into swimming pools to setting them on fire!