- Richard tests the Mercedes-Benz SL600, Mazda MX-5, Fiat Barchetta & Toyota MR2.
- James finds out if it’s possible to parachute into a moving car.
- Richard & James search for the best convertible.
- Jeremy road tests the Jaguar X-Type Estate.
- Star in a Reasonably Priced Car: Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
Episode Guide
Main review: A roadster comparison with Hammond, starting with the Mercedes-Benz SL600. Hammond says it is far too expensive and its huge power is useless when the top is down. Three other less-expensive roadsters are driven: Mazda MX-5 vs. Fiat Barchetta vs. Toyota MR2. The Fiat is stylish and well-priced but front-wheel drive, the MR2 is fastest but too serious and too hard to drive; the MX-5 is the best all-rounder.
News: The presenters discuss at length the 10-year transport plan introduced on 20 July 2004 by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling, which introduces the idea of per-mile road toll schemes.
Review: Clarkson drives the four-wheel drive Jaguar X-Type estate. It has huge space, is good to drive, and despite its primitive 4WD system is unfettered by normal speeds in inclement weather.
Review: Hammond and May do a cabriolet comparison on Lewis and Harris, where fewer convertibles are bought per capita than anywhere else in the United Kingdom. The MINI Cooper Cabriolet is too expensive and embarrassing. The Vauxhall Tigra is very cheap and attractive as an overall package. The Mercedes-Benz SLK350 is powerful and comfortable but too expensive. The Audi S4 Cabriolet has the same problem, but Hammond loves it for its smart styling, four seats, large boot, and engine noise.
Challenge: Can you parachute into a moving car? The answer is yes after many tries. And Ben Collins (The Stig at that time) is on Top Gear as himself as the moving car driver
Star in a Reasonably Priced Car: Sir Ranulph Fiennes talks about running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, after major heart surgery. Sets a respectable time of 1:51.
Stig Power Laps
Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG
1:29.00
Star in a Reasonably Priced Car
Sir Ranulph Fiennes
1:51.00
Music
00:43 – 01:11 – Nada Surf – Paper Boats
03:25 – 03:39 – Orbital – Transient
03:56 – 04:33 – Nada Surf – Mother’s Day
35:21 – 35:57 – Shapeshifters – Lola’s Theme
36:27 – 36:48 – Massive Attack – Be Thankful For What You’ve Got
37:29 – 38:22 – Scissor Sisters – Comfortably Numb
38:25 – 39:05 – Grace Jones vs Funkstar Deluxe – Pull up to the Bumper
39:09 – 39:32 – Aimee Mann – What the World Needs Now ?
40:03 – 40:41 – Jamiroquai – Black Capricorn Day
41:21 – 42:33 – Juno Reactor vs. Don Davis – Mona Lisa
49:58 – 50:30 – The Dust Brothers – What is Fight Club?
50:32 – 50:48 – Prokofiev – Troika
52:58 – 53:29 – Four Tet – As Serious as Your Life
54:06 – 54:47 – Rob Duncan – The Final Fight
Peugeot 407 Review:
00:48 – 01:05 – Air – Run
01:08 – 01:30 – Air – Run
01:33 – 01:59 – Zero 7 – Look Up
01:59 – 02:26 – Scissor Sisters – Laura
02:32 – 03:19 – Magnet – Where Happiness Lives
03:25 – 03:51 – Gianni Ferrio – For Whom the Bell Tolls
04:04 – 04:34 – Santa Esmeralda – House of the Rising Sun
04:46 – 06:05 – Jeans Team feat. MJ Lan – Keine Melodien
Volvo V50 Estate Review:
16:13 – 17:32 – Marques Houston – Clubbin’ (Instrumental)
17:38 – 17:50 – Alex Lloyd – Hello the End
17:51 – 18:18 – Blue States – 10 Shades (Instrumental Mix)
18:56 – 19:18 – Little Walter – My Babe
19:39 – 20:10 – Ralph Myerz & the Jack Herren Band – Casino
20:56 – 21:37 – Ralph Myerz & the Jack Herren Band – Casino
Sport Relief Motorsport Clip:
24:20 – 24:35 – Sugababes – Round Round
Car Long Jump Car Competition:
35:10 – 35:14 – Traditional – Anthem: Great Britain
35:14 – 35:17 – Traditional – Anthem: France
35:17 – 35:22 – Traditional – Anthem: United States
35:22 – 35:27 – Traditional – Anthem: Czech Republic
35:27 – 35:32 – Traditional – Anthem: Russia
36:27 – 36:37 – Georges Bizet – Carmen: L’Amour est un Oiseau Rebelle
36:56 – 37:14 – Alfredo Catalani – La Wally: Ebben, No Andro Lontana
37:28 – 37:47 – Georges Bizet – Carmen: Votre Toast
38:03 – 38:18 – Gioachino Rossini – The Barber of Seville: Largo Al Factotum
38:33 – 38:58 – Georges Bizet – Carmen: Votre Toast
BMW X3 Review:
39:57 – 40:19 – Syd Dale – The Hollywood Scene
40:48 – 41:31 – Money Mark – Monkey Dot
41:34 – 41:45 – Money Mark – Monkey Dot
42:24 – 43:05 – Money Mark – Crowns
43:38 – 44:20 – Money Mark – Crowns
44:40 – 44:42 – Money Mark – Crowns
44:42 – 45:17 – John Cameron – Go Getter
45:51 – 46:16 – Gisli – I Don’t Fight
46:27 – 46:38 – Gisli – I Don’t Fight
46:55 – 47:06 – Gisli – I Don’t Fight
47:17 – 47:36 – Alan Hawkshaw – Organ Blower
47:37 – 47:46 – Gisli – I Don’t Fight
Chevrolet Corvette C6 Review:
50:44 – 51:53 – Deadly Avenger – Lopez
51:58 – 52:32 – Garbage – Push It
52:41 – 53:06 – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Dosed
53:10 – 53:24 – Tom Waits – Heartattack and Vine
53:25 – 53:44 – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Venice Queen
53:55 – 54:41 – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Throw Away Your Television
54:41 – 55:04 – The Strokes – Reptilia
55:07 – 55:20 – Placebo – Taste in Men
55:21 – 56:03 – The Strokes – Reptilia
56:05 – 56:25 – Red Hot Chili Peppers – Venice Queen
The Stig’ Lap:
57:24 – 57:30 – Starship – Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now
57:45 – 57:51 – Starship – Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now