Season 16

2009 · 8 episodes

Episodes

1Series 16, Episode 1Stuntman Steve Truglia tries to beat a world record by driving round the biggest loop-the-loop ever constructed. Retired Formula One competitor David Coulthard competes against Tiff Needell in an extreme van-driving challenge and Tim Shaw discovers whether buying an old banger results in cheap motoring. Tom Ford examines the Citroen C3 Picasso's suitability for a modern family man and Jonny Smith takes the Audi R8 V10 out on Spanish roads.
2Series 16, Episode 2Tiff Needell teams up with former racing driver Stirling Moss to test the Ferrari 599 HGTE and Jonny Smith heads to Spain to discover whether the locals prefer the Audi A5 Cabriolet to the rival BMW 3 Series convertible. Jason Plato helps Olympic rowing gold medallist Matthew Pinsent find a sports car that accommodates his 6ft 5in frame, Tom Ford and Tiff Needell compete in the Ilkley Trial in West Yorkshire, and Tim Shaw investigates the accuracy of the combined economy cycle.
3Series 16, Episode 3Tiff Needell and Jason Plato pit the new BMW Z4 against the Porsche Boxster, and Tim Shaw examines the Government's car-scrappage scheme. Comedian Ross Noble receives a day of trial-bike tuition from motorcyclist Dougie Lampkin, the team celebrates the joint birthday of the original Mini and the film The Italian Job, and Tom Ford gets behind the wheel of the Peugeot 308 CC.
4Series 16, Episode 4Jason Plato pits the Mini Cooper Cabriolet against the Mazda MX-5, and Tim Shaw tries out the latest concept in car maintenance at a garage where equipment is supplied but the customers do the work themselves. Tom Ford assesses the performance of Toyota's new miniature SUV, the Urban Cruiser, and Jonny Smith is joined by Most Haunted's Derek Acorah for a ride in the Ghostbusters ambulance. Plus, Tiff Needell tests the Aston Marton V12 Vantage.
5Series 16, Episode 5Tiff Needell and Jason Plato gain access to a variety of tanks, including a submersible Russian machine and a Chieftain, for a head-to-head battle. Jonny Smith follows the route of Dick Turpin in the new VW Golf GTi, Tom Ford and Radio 1 DJ Judge Jules test the Aston Martin DBS Volante and Tim Shaw investigates the damage that potholes do to cars. Plus, a look at the Evora - the first all-new Lotus for 13 years.
6Series 16, Episode 6Tom looks at the idea of the national speed limit being lowered. Jason test drives the Renault Sport Clio 200. Jonny susses out the new Merc E-Class. Tiff finds out if the Caterham Roadsport 175 really works on the road and Jason drives the Lamborghini LP670-4 SV.
7Series 16, Episode 7Jason and Tiff race a couple of double decker buses. John Barrowman is given lessons in rally-car driving. Jason test drives the new Audi TT RS. Tom drives the new Seat Exeo. Jonny reviews the Nissan Pixo and Tim tests "ecoRoute", a fuel saving application for Garmin GPS units.
8Series 16, Episode 8Jason drives a couple of 1980s Cosworths. Jonny reviews the new Toyota Prius. Tom is offered the chance to ride in a Formula Ford race car but first he must fit the car's engine from a Focus. Tiff and Jonny find the best "Hot Hatchling". Tom drives the newest supercar - the Tramontana R Edition. James Martin is trained to drive a Formula 1 car.