It felt like a lifetime's wait for the new series of Top Gear to come but it's finished quicker than Anthony Joshua getting around the Rallycross track. The series has been far from perfect but it has certainly had its good points. What was on tonight's show though?
When in in doubt, go with tried and tested
Tonight's show was awash with motoring icons - old and new. Chris Harris kicked off proceedings in the new Honda - sorry, Acura - NSX in what was another top effort from him. His passion and enthusiasm for cars has really shone through in the series which has provided a welcome break from the other Chris' incessant shouting. I felt there were too many graphics in the film though but overall it was another enjoyable watch from the man who loves to go sideways.
Next up is Rory Reid in the new Ford Mustang, the first to come in right-hand drive and the first to be sold in England - what a time to be alive! It looks good and you can choose to have the full-fat V8 engine or the more polar-bear-friendly 2.3 litre EcoBoost. Reid wasn't a massive fan of either options however as he preferred the daddy, the original 60s Mustang, which I can sort of understand but surely the new Mustang is a good thing???
Some actual entertainment in SIARC
For the whole series I have sounded like a broken record, constantly saying I don't like the new Stars in a Rallycross Car feature and I imagine you are fed up of it. In fact, at this point you would rather listen to Chris Evans shout at you non-stop for five minutes than listen to me moan about this segment of the show even more. This week feature Greg Davies and Patrick Dempsey in the hotseat.
But I bring good news! Thanks to the banter and humour provided by comedian Greg Davies I actually enjoyed tonight's SIARC feature but that still hasn't changed my mind. Despite the new track and car I still feel it kills the momentum of the show and I think it needs to be revised. Getting stars that have something in common would be a good start... Also, please for the love of God ditch the awkward bit where the stars introduce each other.
LeBlanc meets his hero
Matt LeBlanc drives the new Porsche 911 R this week, a 911 which is kind of like a greatest hits edition - think of it as 'Now That's What I Call Porsche'. The car has the engine from the GT3 RS, the body of the GT3 and some nice retro touches from Porsches through the years. Early on in the film LeBlanc makes it clear that he will not drive it in case he let's him down but before you know it, he is behind the wheel and yelling with pleasure in a typically loud, American manner.
The film featured good humour throughout and LeBlanc delivered a good piece to camera. I quite like the sandwich gag that was used the film as well. In the film the 911 R gets pitted against the GT3 RS in a drag race but LeBlanc resists temptation and chooses not to join in. He states that the whole point of the car is how it drives rather than how fast it goes, which I can completely understand.
Evans' last film on Top Gear?
There has been a lot of speculation over Chris Evans for quite some time - even before the series went on air - and reports have suggested Matt LeBlanc will walk away if Evans stays on the show. There are also reports there are crisis talks to be held with Evans and that he is a control freak. Let's leave that on the back-burner for the time being and return to tonight's show.
Evans looks into 'resto modding' which involves fitting modern performance parts into classic cars. It's not exactly a new thing and it's been covered on Top Gear before, in fact Jeremy Clarkson did a similar piece a few years back. Evans starts off in the elegant Aston Martin DB5 and a stupendous E-Type that has been modified by Eagle. As these cars cost a high sum of money however, Evans sees if he can get his hands on something a bit more 'bargain.'
He finds himself in a MGB Roadster which has been given the once over by a company called Frontline - no, not the people who cure your cat's fleas. The model has seen upgrades which mean it will hit 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds and will get to a top speed of 168mph, wowzers!
The show then concludes with a long jump challenge where all the presenters have to get the most air possible in the Mini Rallycross car to avoid being drenched by the water splash if they lose. I won't tell you who won in case you haven't seen it but I will say things did not go well for Sabine Schmitz.
So, the series is done and dusted, but what does the next series hold? Well that is uncertain at the moment but here is what I thought of the presenters:
Chris Evans
I tried to have an open mind about Chris but he is simply too much to handle. He shouts too much, he's too excitable and on the whole it is frankly annoying. The show would be a better place without him and I'm confident I am not the only person to think this. Sorry Chris, I gave you a try but you're simply too annoying to watch with any real pleasure.
Should he stay? No
Matt LeBlanc
He's done a solid job on the new series, he's not taking it by storm in my opinion but he's done a far better job than Mr Evans. He was a bit wooden and awkward in the studio to begin with but throughout the series he has loosened up and he's even been able to do some good introductions for The Stig. He's laid-back, humorous charm has certainly looked good alongside Evans' assault of shouting.
Should he stay? Yes
Eddie Jordan
I was intrigued to see what Jordan could bring to the show, especially as he has a wealth of F1 experience but in the end all he really brought was a wrecked Mercedes GLC and some spoon playing. He was in no doubt good value in small doses but overall I thought he brought little to the show. Sorry Eddie, take your spoons and go back to F1.
Should he stay? No
Sabine Schmitz
I've always liked Sabine, even when she popped up now and then on old Top Gear. I like her humour and I think she has a good personality on screen, so for me she has been a success for the new show - oh and she made Chris Evans sick. I definitely think she is worth keeping on and I would like to see Top Gear make more use of her although it's difficult when you have an army of hosts.
Should she stay? Yes
Chris Harris
He has been a true pleasure to watch this series and I glad to see him finally hit the screen of Top Gear in the third episode. You can tell very easily that he is a petrolhead through and through and I would expect unleaded to come out of him if he were to bleed. His enthusiasm, passion and knowledge of cars is a real asset to the show.
Should he stay? Yes
Rory Reid
Last but not least we come to Rory Reid who gained his place on the show through the public audition. Like Harris, he has also been a breath of fresh air and I really hope he - and Harris - get a bigger role in the next series. I've loved some of his metaphors, especially the one where he describes the Ford Focus RS as a 'blur' and when he described the Mustang's handling as a 'greased hippopotamus'. He seems like a down to earth guy as well which makes him more genuine, likeable character in the Top Gear ensemble.
Should he stay? Yes
The Stig
Errrr. He's fast. And anonymous.
Should he/she/it stay? Well, what do you think?