Top Gear Australia
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,880
Likes: 340
From: Australia
I get a little BORED with the same OLD German brands which are 3% Total of our new car market.
The same old BMW, Benz, AUDI, then all the exotics, time and time again..
Don't get me wrong I like to see these makes but how about more cars that the average Joe BUYER will spend their money on..
Why not REAL comparisons of "class group" markets...
Like the Mazda 3, Civic, Corolla, etc
OR Mazda 6, Liberty, Accord, Camry.
And, RX-8, 350Z, S2000..
Commodore, Falcon, Aurion..
MORE VARIETY TOP GEAR...NOW!!
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 778
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane Australia
What do you get for your money when you buy an Audi TT over an RX-8 for $25-$30k difference? Is a Porsche Cayman qualitatively better than the new Nissan 350Z (to the extent that this would overcome a $45-$50k price difference)?
My bet is that most motoring journalists don't have the guts to do this sort of comparison for fear of alienating the European car distributors and thus shut off their supply of cars that they can hoon around test tracks.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,880
Likes: 340
From: Australia
Well, why not some "cross group" comparisons, e.g., is there a value for money difference between Mazda 6 or Honda Accord Euro and a BMW320 or Audi A4? How close do the Japanese cars come to the Germans, with a $15-$20k price differential?
What do you get for your money when you buy an Audi TT over an RX-8 for $25-$30k difference? Is a Porsche Cayman qualitatively better than the new Nissan 350Z (to the extent that this would overcome a $45-$50k price difference)?
My bet is that most motoring journalists don't have the guts to do this sort of comparison for fear of alienating the European car distributors and thus shut off their supply of cars that they can hoon around test tracks.
What do you get for your money when you buy an Audi TT over an RX-8 for $25-$30k difference? Is a Porsche Cayman qualitatively better than the new Nissan 350Z (to the extent that this would overcome a $45-$50k price difference)?
My bet is that most motoring journalists don't have the guts to do this sort of comparison for fear of alienating the European car distributors and thus shut off their supply of cars that they can hoon around test tracks.
How true mate,
I don't understand these producers, do they have ANY idea of what BRANDS and MODELS of car that the "real" buying motorist are actually comparing when they go shopping?
This show TGA could differentiate itself from the UK one with just some imagination rather than copying, I mean Come ON, to use the same UK stunt with a converted car (Audi) as some sort of Yacht took a lot of brainstorming.
Thread Starter
Shootin' from the hip
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,584
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
You guys are confusing the purpose of this show. It's entertainment, pure and simple (well, meant to be, lol), not a source of consumer information. I mean seriously, what are you going to learn of any value from a 6-7 minute TV car review.
However, as a means to puncture some rapacious pricing policies, I'd love to see them show up some of the Euro's as being not THAT much better than their Japanese competitors...
However, as a means to puncture some rapacious pricing policies, I'd love to see them show up some of the Euro's as being not THAT much better than their Japanese competitors...
Rotary noob
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne, VIC, AU
found the track map on their website (for those interested)
http://www.sbs.com.au/topgearaustral...tmap_large.png
http://www.sbs.com.au/topgearaustral...tmap_large.png
New Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 9,944
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Australia
You guys are confusing the purpose of this show. It's entertainment, pure and simple (well, meant to be, lol), not a source of consumer information. I mean seriously, what are you going to learn of any value from a 6-7 minute TV car review.
However, as a means to puncture some rapacious pricing policies, I'd love to see them show up some of the Euro's as being not THAT much better than their Japanese competitors...
However, as a means to puncture some rapacious pricing policies, I'd love to see them show up some of the Euro's as being not THAT much better than their Japanese competitors...
Registered
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
From: Northern NSW, Australia
Well, why not some "cross group" comparisons, e.g., is there a value for money difference between Mazda 6 or Honda Accord Euro and a BMW320 or Audi A4? How close do the Japanese cars come to the Germans, with a $15-$20k price differential?
What do you get for your money when you buy an Audi TT over an RX-8 for $25-$30k difference? Is a Porsche Cayman qualitatively better than the new Nissan 350Z (to the extent that this would overcome a $45-$50k price difference)?
My bet is that most motoring journalists don't have the guts to do this sort of comparison for fear of alienating the European car distributors and thus shut off their supply of cars that they can hoon around test tracks.
What do you get for your money when you buy an Audi TT over an RX-8 for $25-$30k difference? Is a Porsche Cayman qualitatively better than the new Nissan 350Z (to the extent that this would overcome a $45-$50k price difference)?
My bet is that most motoring journalists don't have the guts to do this sort of comparison for fear of alienating the European car distributors and thus shut off their supply of cars that they can hoon around test tracks.
With a female passenger in the back seat.
She alternated between putting her head on her shoulder and hugging the front headrest.
Thread Starter
Shootin' from the hip
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,584
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
I had the male mini-terrorist climb into the back seat at the motor show a year or so ago, took one look at him back there and just couldn't do it to them.
Not a practical option in my view for anything more than a quick trip to the shops.
BTW, no TGA for me tonight - racing on Sydney Harbour instead - much more fun...
Not a practical option in my view for anything more than a quick trip to the shops.
BTW, no TGA for me tonight - racing on Sydney Harbour instead - much more fun...
New Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 9,944
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Australia
I am going to check if the TG UK is ready to download.
YES! http://www.finalgear.com/shows/topgear/12/2/
YES! http://www.finalgear.com/shows/topgear/12/2/
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,880
Likes: 340
From: Australia
I will jump in here...
The fuel cost comparison with a Golf diesel and petrol models after a stint of driving was interesting and informative, the GTR test was reasonable...too much of the 'MINDA Factor'
But overall, I just cant really warm to the show, I keep watching it in faith, BUT!!!!...
I mean their "car news" section is a joke, with ALL the changes and new models of cars the "news" is not news, I mean a Citroen Picasso has been around for 5 years or more...it's NOT news.
These producers need to read the 101 manual again.
The fuel cost comparison with a Golf diesel and petrol models after a stint of driving was interesting and informative, the GTR test was reasonable...too much of the 'MINDA Factor'
But overall, I just cant really warm to the show, I keep watching it in faith, BUT!!!!...
I mean their "car news" section is a joke, with ALL the changes and new models of cars the "news" is not news, I mean a Citroen Picasso has been around for 5 years or more...it's NOT news.
These producers need to read the 101 manual again.
New Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 9,944
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Australia
Diesel vs Petrol can be very very interesting... They just cannot make it interesting enough.
I think the show really lack of entertainment value. It is not well put together and the flow of that segment is not catching your attention some how.
I always have the feelings when they finish a segment... "is that all?"
I don't get that in TG UK or Fifth gear (ever!)
Doing the trucks in TG UK for example last week. You can recall moments on the segment. Drfiting and stick up Clarkson's ***, his truck on fire, his comment about truckie killing prostitutes and Hammond nearly lost in a corner. The uphill start thing is a blur but hey... I think that was enough (feel exhausted after watching it).
I think the show really lack of entertainment value. It is not well put together and the flow of that segment is not catching your attention some how.
I always have the feelings when they finish a segment... "is that all?"
I don't get that in TG UK or Fifth gear (ever!)
Doing the trucks in TG UK for example last week. You can recall moments on the segment. Drfiting and stick up Clarkson's ***, his truck on fire, his comment about truckie killing prostitutes and Hammond nearly lost in a corner. The uphill start thing is a blur but hey... I think that was enough (feel exhausted after watching it).
Last edited by takahashi; Nov 10, 2008 at 08:48 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 635
Likes: 0
I watch it because I like anything to do with cars but the hosts are all pretty nerdy I reckon. The original hosts are pretty good though(Hammond, May, and Clarkson). I actually prefer the english show Fifth Gear better. It seems more focussed on the cars and not the sometimes ridiculous entertainment challenges.
Registered
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Canberra
I have to admit it is getting better, but it didn't have to go far! The old blond one still appears very stilted in his delivery, not comfortable doing it I think. Liked the GTR story, how do I get them to give me access to a closed section of freeway 
All in all will keep watching to see how they grow into their roles.
All in all will keep watching to see how they grow into their roles.
rock-->o<--hard place
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,242
Likes: 0
From: Canberra, AUSTRALIA
I still cringe when I watch some parts, especially where they clone a TGUK challenge, such as last night's WRX STi vs Army Tiger helicopter.
And the "What Were They Thinking?" wall....what were THEY thinking?
GTR vs GT2 was good...but the diesel vs petrol challenge struggled and was neither very informative or terribly funny.
Still, it's about cars, it's on TV at a time I'm likely to watch, so I do...but no tears if I miss it
And the "What Were They Thinking?" wall....what were THEY thinking?
GTR vs GT2 was good...but the diesel vs petrol challenge struggled and was neither very informative or terribly funny.
Still, it's about cars, it's on TV at a time I'm likely to watch, so I do...but no tears if I miss it
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 778
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane Australia
Something that Dave wrote recently gave me an idea for a TG-AU segment which would fit in more with the SBS ethos. Two drivers (who have to be either black, gay or disabled or all or some of the above) race each other in a Prius and Honda Civic hybrid to and from a coffee shop to buy organically grown skinny soy lattes. The one with the smallest carbon footprint wins.
I can hardly wait.
I can hardly wait.
