Season 16

1986-09-09

Metro, Maestro, Montego and now the new 800 Series of executive saloons make up an Austin Rover range aimed at enhancing the company's sales and reputation at home and abroad. But can the recently renamed Rover Group, headed by Graham Day improve Austin Rover's image for reliability and quality? Top Gear takes a detailed look at the 800 Sterling, puts the 820 Si model up against its rivals and William Woollard assesses how big a task the company faces to win back customers. Chris Goffey's also trying to keep up with the competition racing round the streets of Birmingham at last month's Superprix.

1986-09-16

The emphasis this week is on performance cars. Jackie Stewart shows William Woollard that what he learnt as a racing driver can help people to drive more safely on the roads. And Sue Baker tests the new Renault GTA V6 Turbo. But, with so many powerful cars on the market at the moment, do the glossy ads that sell them actually encourage drivers to break the law? Top Gear talks to the ad men and their critics.

1986-09-23

For most of us, owning a Ferrari is just a dream, but at the annual meeting of the Ferrari Club of Great Britain, owners come together to show off their pride and possession. The petrol companies desperately offer everything from glasses to cricket bats to induce people to buy more of their products. Why do the giants place such an emphasis on free gifts and forecourt shops? And the new Audi 80 is roadtested.

1986-09-30

Car manufacturers will be launching their latest models at the Birmingham Motor Show in two weeks time. But tonight, Chris Goffey previews one of the latest offerings from Germany, the BMW 7 Series. William Woollard casts an eye over a selection of cars at the budget end of the market. Still with economy in mind, Sue Baker questions the increasing popularity of buying second-hand tyres. Rallying attracts people from all walks of life. The reggae band UB40 is not only sponsoring a car but is training for a more active long-term participation in the sport.

1986-10-07

Jaguar has done very well since its recent privatisation — especially in its sales in the United States. Now it prepares to launch its most important new car in almost 20 years. Chris Goffey road tests the new XJ6 and asks if it will be a big seller in both home and export markets. William Woollard has been trying out the latest addition to the Citroën family. Top Gear viewers played their part in suggesting some of the features that have been incorporated in its design. So how will the Citroën AX fare in the fiercely competitive smaller end of the car market? And, apart from fuel consumption, running costs and the sheer aesthetics of a new car, should you pay more attention to how much it will depreciate. Why do some cars lose more value than others, and who decides, anyway?

1986-10-14

This week sees the start of the 1986 British International Motor Show, held this year at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. William Woollard guides you round the latest creations from the world's leading manufacturers and assesses how the best of British stands up against the opposition. Sue Baker examines the slowly reviving British sports car market and road tests the new TVR 420. If luggage space is your problem, then Frank Page could supply the answer when he compares three estate cars, including the new Renault 21 Savanna.

1986-10-21

Surprisingly, almost as many convertibles are sold in winter as in summer, in the United Kingdom. William Woollard takes an unseasonal look at the best-selling Cabriolets in Britain. Status symbol or necessity? We look at the latest in car phones and examine likely changes in the regulations governing their use.

1986-10-28

In the last of the present series, especially for motor bike enthusiasts, Chris Goffey previews the International Bike show, which opens at Olympia tomorrow, including a look at the new super-bike from Honda. If you thought steam cars were a thing of the past, meet a new one capable of an astounding 90mph, and Frank Page talks to a man who arranges transplants for much-loved Morris Minors.