Seasons & episodes

Road-testing new competition to the big Volvo estate from Ford, BMW and Toyota — can they threaten its pre-eminence as family transport? For the last 24 years, drivers in Northern Ireland have had to display an “R” plate for 12 months after passing their test. Does the system work and should it be followed in the rest of the UK? And a look at Formula Ford, celebrating its 25th anniversary at Brands Hatch.

A visit to the Isle of Man TT Races, and the two-week festival of motorcycling that accompanies them, and a road-test for Alfa Romeo’s new 155.

Chris Goffey examines two new diesel cars from Citroën and Honda. And Tony Mason sets up a challenge between British rally champions past and present — Colin McRae, who next week seeks to win the Lombard RAC Rally, and Roger Clark, who won it 20 years ago.

Tests for two high-powered four-wheel-drive saloons, Ford’s new Escort Cosworth and Vauxhall’s Calibra turbo. Plus a look behind the scenes of the Lombard RAC Rally.

Featuring new models at the Motorcycle Show at the NEC, Birmingham, two new developments to help lorry drivers avoid skidding and overturning, and a test-drive of the Renault Safrane.

A look back at the 50s and 60s when bigger meant better, especially in America, with a visit to Frank Lancaster’s collection of “Yank tanks”.

Last in the series pays a visit to the Le Mans 24-hour kart race. Plus the Syclone pick-up truck and Subaru’s new coupe.

The motoring magazine series returns with a road test of the new Mondeo, which Ford hope will become the Cortina of the 1990s. There’s a second-hand report on the Sierra, the car the Mondeo replaces, and a look at the Jeep Jamboree. With Jeremy Clarkson and Quentin Willson.

An assessment of the Citroën Xantia, new challenger in the family saloon market, a visit to a kart meeting to see how pre-teen racers learn the art, and a report on the Claret and Classic Rally, which involves a tour of French wine chateaux.

Chris Goffey sizes up Vauxhall’s Nova replacement, the Corsa, against superminis like the Clio, the Fiesta and Nissan’s new Micra. Jeremy Clarkson drives the lonely 1500-mile Alaska Highway through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.

Can the V8 turbo of Aston Martin’s new Vantage match the Lamborghini Diablo? Jeremy Clarkson tests it and takes a look at the prototype for Aston’s small, relatively cheap sports car at the Geneva Show. There’s also his second report from the Alaska Highway.

Including an assessment of the appeal of the Daimler Dart; a test drive of the new Toyota Carina E, described as the Japanese answer to the Vauxhall Cavalier; and a visit to a Honda Goldwing owners’ club meeting.

Including an investigation into the causes and remedies of falling asleep at the wheel, which could be the cause of one accident in four. There’s also a preview of the 1993 British Touring Car Championship, plus a road test of the Jeep Cherokee and Ford Explorer.

Can Jaguar’s new V12 flagship, their fastest, most opulent saloon yet, take on its rivals from BMW and Mercedes? Jeremy Clarkson road-tests it to find out. And Tony Mason reports on the opening round of the British Rally Championship around north Wales.

A report on Rover’s new which completes the company’s post-Leyland line up. How will it fare against the new Honda Accord? And, as Donington Park prepares to host a Grand Prix for the first time for 55 years, a trial of the new circuit in a Lotus 25, once raced by Jim Clark, the racing legend who died 25 years ago.

Peugeot’s 205 was such a success that some have called it the car of the 1980s. Now the company hopes to grab the limelight again in the 90s with its new 306 range. Built in Coventry, the car goes on sale this month. Jeremy Clarkson tests it to see if Peugeot’s hopes are justified.

Includes a road test of Rover’s 200 Coupe Turbo — the fastest road car the company has ever made — on Germany’s classic Nürburgring circuit; and a visit to the English collector who owns all six Trabant models produced in Zwickau, East Germany. Plus a report on the Charringtons RAC Historic Rally, a battle between classic models like the Porsche 911, Lotus Cortina and BMC Mini.

Including reports on a car with candelabras as well as lights — Liberace’s 1981 Zimmer. And a test drive of a £93,000 Mercedes 600SEC.

A report from last weekend’s Top Gear Classic and Sportscar Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

A visit to the old Nürburgring circuit in Germany, to join a group of enthusiasts and their exotic cars for the sheer fun of driving. Among the highlights were the pre-war Mercedes of Caracciola, and the Maserati 250f in which Fangio won the 1957 Monaco Grand Prix. Plus a report on six months with a Ford Escort Cosworth.

How does Seat’s new Spanish designed and built Ibiza rate against opposition from the rest of Europe? What transport should a couple choose for their wedding? And there’s a test for the latest electric commuting vehicle — the two-wheel Zike.

Italian style meets American muscle in the brutal shape of the De Tomaso Pantera. But can this 20-year-old design still hack it in today’s cut-throat supercar marketplace?

The Porsche 911 is 30 years old. The team celebrates the anniversary of one of the world’s greatest sports cars by trying out a range of models from the earliest to the current civilised supercars.

In a final programme, Jeremy Clarkson looks back at the highlights of the series.