[13x03] February 4th, 2008

[SL65]

More motoring thrills and spills as Fifth Gear continues its 13th series with Vicki Butler-Henderson, Tom Ford, Tiff Needell, Jason Plato and Jonny Smith at the helm. Tonight, Jonny Smith stages a spectacular crash to find out what happens when children ride unrestrained in the back of taxis. Elsewhere, Jason Plato drives the Maserati Gran Turismo; Tom Ford and Jonny enter the Exeter Trial; and Vicki Butler-Henderson pits the 18-year-old Lotus Carlton against its modernday equivalent, the Vauxhall VXR8.

Jonny Smith and Tom Ford have quite a challenge on their hands this week when they enter one of motor sport’s oldest and most gruelling events, the Exeter Trial. Equipped with a 1973 VW Beetle, the pair must tackle 14 special sections over 240 road miles throughout the South West of England, driving virtually non-stop. The special sections are designed to test the car and occupants to the limit, as they are rough, muddy and very steep. Will the car make it – and will Tom and Jonny survive nearly 24 hours trapped in a car together?

Also this week, Jonny stages a dramatic crash to illustrate the importance of using child restraints in taxis. The law states that all children under 12, or below 135cm in height, must use a child restraint when travelling in a car. But there is one bizarre exception – a child under three can travel unrestrained in the back of a taxi or minicab. Using a London cab and a crash-test dummy, Jonny shows that the law should be changed.

Elsewhere this week, Jason checks out the Maserati Gran Turismo. This stylish motor has exotic looks and a price tag to match – but it offers supercar performance and, unusually for a car of this type, can seat four. Even so, is the £78,000 asking price money well spent? Jason finds out.

Tiff, meanwhile, is off to France to drive the new Audi A3 Cabriolet. Unlike most of the competition, Audi have gone down a more traditional route by fitting a cloth hood rather than a folding metal one, maximising luggage space while saving weight. Have they managed to pull off the double whammy of looks and practicality?

Finally, Vicki pits the legendary Lotus Carlton against its modern day equivalent, the VXR8, in another Fifth Gear shoot-out. Which will be quicker on the track?

The VXR8 and Gran Turismo are making they're second appearances on the program. Usually I'd complain about that but I like those cars so I'll let it slip.

But why are they wasting Tiff's driving skill by putting him in an A3 Cabriolet?!

[Aiolos]

Originally Posted by SL65

Usually I'd complain about that but I like those cars so I'll let it slip.

Same, maybe Jason will try to get it to slide; Tom's review was nice, but boring.

Also, hope Vicki's test isn't just a boring shootout, cause that would be very boring and pointless.

Originally Posted by SL65

But why are they wasting Tiff's driving skill by putting him in an A3 Cabriolet?!

I know It's like, why?? In the words of Clarkson, give him more powerrrrrrrrrrr

[Handonam]

I'm going to guess the maserati will just be on mountain roads because it's a GT. i THINK most of the GT cars that have been reviewed were testing road comfort, spending little time on a track.

so probably not much sliding

[Cobol74]

Lotus Carlton - to the casual observer just an old Vauxhall Calton but it goes and handles like stink.

Another good episode preview - I am holding out a lot of hope for this series.

[SL65]

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[Viper007Bond]

http://forums.finalgear.com/fifth-ge...-2008-a-25099/