Top Gear Goes to China

Episode Summary & Review

Summary

Jeremy Clarkson and James May travel to Beijing for a look at China’s ever expanding car industry and a violent encounter with the Stig’s Chinese cousin.Meanwhile, Richard Hammond is in Texas to immerse himself in the surprisingly interesting world of Nascar racing.Plus the Mercedes SLS Roadster makes an enormous amount of noise and smoke on the test track, and Matt Le Blanc is the star in the Reasonably Priced Car.

Our Take

A strong travel episode that leans on culture clash rather than cheap jokes. Hammond’s Nascar piece is the highlight, genuinely curious instead of sneering, and the Chinese car industry tour has some real bite. The SLS Roadster segment is fun if familiar, and LeBlanc turns out to be one of the better guests they’ve had. Well worth your time.