On a SUV-bashing Top Gear, we looked at the Mick Jagger of supercars,
the TVR searched for a new name, and we announced our review of the
motoring year.
But first, off roaders. You've heard all the cliches about people who
buy these sort of cars - the closest they'll get to bumpy terrain is a
slip up the kerb in a supermarket. But what actually happens if you try
to go off road? There wasn't really any competition. The best car for
going off-road had to be the Range Rover. The Land Cruiser did a
credible job, though.
Next, our 2002 review. We took a moment to reflect on the motoring
year and hand out a few Top Gear awards. Highlights included the
wierdest-looking Renault award, which saw the Megan, Vel Satis and
Avantime nominated, but which the Nissan Micra won.
If you're still wondering what the Mick Jagger of supercars is - it's
the Lotus Esprit. A car that's been around for 27 years and is still
going strong. Jeremy tested it to see if its wrinkles were showing. The
answer? No - but the clunky gearbox will be the death of it.
Finally, we formally announced the result of Top Gear's search for
the fastest celebrity in a reasonably priced car: Jay Kay!
First shown on: 29/12/2002
