Top Gear Australia now in its fourth series has been the subject of much comment and let's be honest criticism. With comparisons with the original inevitable the task of convincing its target audience was never going to be easy.


Words such as try hard, awful, conceited, why bother, direct copy, annoying were regularly bandied around to describe the series and it's generally unknown presenters.

With the defection from SBS to the 9 network the series received a much needed capital injection and greater exposure but with little improvement in the final product. Sure some of the presenters had changed but there was little to engage the viewer.

With the introduction of likable Shane Jacobson and the unknown quantities of Ewan Page this show has potential although I  am still at a loss as to how Steve Pizzati has survived the network razor gang. 

To be successful it is important that the hosts don't take themselves seriously, which has been an issue in the past with the hosts seemingly talking down to the audience, take note Steve.

Top Gear Australia has a tough road ahead of it, faced with the waining popularity of the original both here and in the UK, they need to ensure that their offering to the viewing public remains upmost entertaining.  The main reason for the success of the original was not for it's technical car reviews but it's "boys own annual" style challenges and the English tradition of short 7 or 8 episode series, in other words making a good thing last.

To be successful the 9 network also needs to give it a chance, so Ms Programmer stop slyly inserting repeat episodes between new episodes, we are not amused. Also support the series by providing it with a regular time slot, hey Monday 7.30pm sounds good.

When the new series of Top Gear Australia finally emerges from post production wilderness all I can say is give it a chance watch it, enjoy it and most importantly don't download it.