Fifth Gear is Dead?
October 20, 2009
This is why there’s very little reason to believe whatever that husky bastard Tom Ford when he claims that Fifth Gear is the best motoring show out there. I’m thinking that even that German show with Sabine Schmitz and Tim Schrick is better than Fifth Gear. Bottomline is Top Gear is the best motoring show on the planet. Hands down. End of story.
And rumors have it that that’s the end of the story too for channel Five’s Fifth Gear. The show is said to have gotten the axe after not even attracting more than a million viewers for its last series. And we saw why. We provided recaps of that series and it took us quite the effort to make it look interesting.
However, host Jonny Smith is saying that Fifth Gear isnt “officially” dead. In a tweet, Jonny said, “Thanks to everyone for your compliments and words of encouragement. Remember, FG isn’t OFFICIALLY finished. Don’t (ever?) believe The Mail”
If the rumors are untrue then good for the team but if it’s true. Not really a big loss, methinks. Just give me more Top Gear!!!
Source: The Mail
Fifth Gear Season 16 Episode 8
July 28, 2009
It’s the final episode of the series. Aaaw. What’s in store for the show – Celebrity Chef James Martin tries to drive a Formula One car, Tim explores the economy of car sharing clubs, Tiff and Jonny tries to find the best hothatchlings, and Tom tries out the Tramontana supercar.
First segment as always is the shootout in which they create a tribute to the 80s. The cars features – a 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E Cosworth and 1986 Ford Sierra Cosworth. With Jason at the driver’s seat, the cars are subjected to – fast lap test. Merc: 47.15 seconds, Ford: 46.02.
Next up, Tim explores car sharing clubs. Car sharing clubs have become quite popular especially to people who only use cars once in a while. Letting a car sit in your garage would cost you £2000 in insurance and depreciation so paying for a car only when you use it is the appeal of car sharing clubs. Tim tries out three car sharing companies. His verdict: If you travel less than 6,000 miles a year and live in a city like London, it can save you money.
Fifth Gear Season 16 Episode 7
July 21, 2009
Fifth Gear’s back with its 7th episode and we’re nearing the end of the series. In this show: Tiff and John Barrowman go rallying, Tim tries out a Garmin satnav, Tom test drives the SEAT Exeo, and Jason takes the driver’s seat in the new Audi TT RS.
First up – a (non-standard) dogfight between Tiff and Jason. Instead of the typical fast car shootout, the two get to drive double-decker buses across three challenges. The first challenge is a straight-up drag race won by Tiff. The second is an obstacle run around a carpark. Tiff’s aggressive style proves to be slower than Jason’s composed run. As the score stands one apiece, the show cuts to another segment.
The next segment has Tim testing a new freeware ecoRoute for Garmin satnavs. What makes the Ecoroute unique is its eco setting where the program figures out the most economical route for you to take after factoring in your car’s efficiency. It even has a score system that monitors your driving style. Tim does two trips – one via the fastest and another via the ecoRoute. Results show that the ecoRoute does figure out the most fuel efficient (albeit slower) way, but time can always be a worthy trade-off.
Fifth Gear Season 16 Episode 6
July 14, 2009
It’s already the sixth episode into Fifth Gear’s 16th series which means we only have two episodes left after this one. In this episode, Jason drives the new Lamborghini Murcielago SV, Tim tries to explain why Britain’s a nation of dipsticks, Tiff goes into a life-saving mission in a Caterham, and Tom investigates if lower speed limits would have any effect on crashes.
First up, they forgo the usual fast-car shootout between Tiff and Jason. Instead, they feature the new Renault Clio 197 Sport which they pit against a 2005 Sport Clio 182 Cup in the hands of Jason. A quick lap with the 182 clocks at 45.27 second. The newer 197 zips past the line by 44.12 seconds.
Next up, Tim explores the effects of neglecting engine oil to cars. Apparently, half of the car in Britain is running low on oil. To show the catastrophic effects of neglecting engine oil in cars, Tim drains all the oil in a Proton and drives it around until the engine conked out. To see how many cars might suffer the same fate. He goes around in a parking lot offering oil check-ups and top-ups to random people. 8/10 people needed top-ups.
Fifth Gear Season 16 Episode 5
July 6, 2009
After yesterday’s barrage of motoring entertainment from Top Gear, we move on to a more sensible bit of motoring television with Fifth Gear (which, according to Tim, is the “home of the best cars in the world”). In this episode, Tiff drives around the track in the Lotus Evora with a couple of “bendy” friends, Jonny tests the new Volkswagen Golf GTI, Tim explores busted tires and potholes, and Tom drives DJ Judge Jules around in an Aston Martin DBS Volante.
But first up, the dogfight which they claim as the most explosive piece of Tiff versus Jason. Instead of the typical supercars, Tiff and Jason get to drive around tanks! Now that’s original. Right out of a page from Jezza’s playbook, I’d have to say. Anyway, three challenges for this dogfight.
First challenge – a time challenge navigating an amphibious through a bit of field with water obstacles. Tiff: 8:04 and Jason: 1:17. Second challenge – a head-to-head race between more agile personnel carriers. Winner: Tiff. Split segment with the rest made available later in the show.
Fifth Gear Season 16 Episode 4
June 30, 2009
No matter what Fifth Gear claims their program to be, they’re not even a quarter the fun Top Gear is. However, I have to give it to them. They’re four times more sensible than Clarkson and the boys. More sensibility this episode? Tiff tests the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Jonny drives a Ghostbusters car, Tim explores the cheapest way of servicing your car, and Tom and Jonny tries making wheelie cars.
First up, a shootout between the Mini Cooper S and the Mazda MX-5. Jason pits the nimble soft-top Mini against the metal-roofed rear-wheel MX-5. Jason tries the Mini first and he observes the heaviness caused by chopping the roof off. Its quick lap time around the track: 45.3 seconds. As for the Mazda, Jason likes the lighter and nimbler feel of the Mazda. Its lap time: 45.9 seconds. Trumped by the Minis turbo.
Next up, Tim tries out self-servicing his car, comparing the cost of going to a self-service garage compared to bringing a car to a mechanic’s garage against the cost and clock. First he takes a car to a mechanic for a brake discs and pad change. Then Tim tries to do it his own. Mechanic: 1:20 (200 quid). Tim: 1:40 (130 quid)
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