Top Gear

1Episode 1

Sep 5, 1996

The return of the motoring show. Jeremy Clarkson test-drives the Audi A3 hatchback, the latest addition to the range of a booming car manufacturer, while Tiff Needell takes the two-seater Lotus Elise for a spin. Off the road, Quentin Willson looks at worrying EU plans to make car parts more expensive.

2Episode 2

Sep 12, 1996

In tonight’s edition, Tiff Needell gets behind the wheel of a 200 mph dragster. Jeremy Clarkson compares the new Nissan Skyline coupe with the original, which he reckons is one of the best cars he has ever driven, and Quentin Willson evaluates the Citroën Saxo.

3Episode 3

Sep 19, 1996

Tiff Needell test-drives the Boxster, Porsche’s first new car for almost 20 years, while Jeremy Clarkson has a spin in a Lamborghini Diablo. Steve Berry explains why now is an opportune time to take a motorcycle test.

4Episode 4

Sep 26, 1996

In tonight’s edition of the motoring magazine programme, Jeremy Clarkson tests the Peugeot 306 GTi, Michele Newman tries the Renault Mégane Scénic and Andy Wilman drives a new version of the Nissan Micra.

5Episode 5

Oct 3, 1996

Tonight, Jeremy Clarkson gives his verdict on Jaguar’s long-awaited new coupe, Tony Mason enters the Reliant Robin Championship and Steve Berry rides the Honda Blackbird “superbike”.

6Episode 6

Oct 10, 1996

In tonight’s edition of the motoring magazine programme, Michele Newman visits the home of Škoda in Prague to view their new Octavia model. And Quentin Willson casts his eye over the S-class Mercedes.

7Episode 7

Oct 17, 1996

Tonight, an insider’s guide to the Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham. And Jeremy Clarkson tests the Ford Ka while Andy Wilman reports from Japan on the new mini people-carrier from Mazda.

8Episode 8

Oct 24, 1996

Jeremy Clarkson travels business class with Audi, Mercedes and BMW, as he weighs up the winners and losers in up-market estate cars. And Quentin Willson discovers the latest market prices on personal number plates.

9Episode 9

Oct 31, 1996

Quentin Willson tests the new Volkswagen Passat, a car previously known for its family-sized practicality, but which now promises a little more excitement. Does it deliver? And Steve Berry goes to Hednesford Raceway for the National Hot Rod championship.

10Episode 10

Nov 7, 1996

In tonight’s edition of the motoring magazine, Tiff Needell tests the grown-up version of the legendary Caterham Seven. And Andy Wilman reviews La Passione, rock star Chris Rea’s tribute to the Ferrari.

11Episode 11

Nov 14, 1996

In tonight’s edition of the motoring magazine, Quentin Willson traces the troubled history of the NSU Ro 80, one of the world’s first rotary engine cars. And Steve Berry visits the International Motorcycle Show, where the Buell Lightning superbike is on display.

12Episode 12

Nov 21, 1996

Andy Wilman visits Japan to drive the RX01, Mazda’s latest up-market sports car. Plus action from Spain in the Catalunya Rally.

13Episode 13

Nov 28, 1996

In the motoring magazine tonight, Andy Wilman visits the annual Volkswagen “Beetle Bash”, an event that revels in rave culture and performance art as much as cars. Plus there’s a review of the latest turbo diesels.

14Episode 14

Dec 5, 1996

Jeremy Clarkson tests the latest sports roadster, the Mercedes SLK, and Steve Berry drives the SSC, an experimental car full of gadgets including radar.