Season 28

The motoring series returns with a test drive of the new Dodge Viper, an ultra-high performance sports car that demonstrates renewed self-confidence in the American car industry, and a report on the sinking values of classic cars in Europe. Plus British rally news. With Jeremy Clarkson and Quentin Willson.

Launched 26 years ago, the Toyota Corolla has become the world’s best-selling car and has been revised no fewer than six times. Can the latest Corollas stay on top? Plus the Mobil One Top Gear British Rally Championship — the Manx International. With Jeremy Clarkson and Tony Mason.

Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle road-tests the fastest and most expensive (£415,544) car in the world — the Jaguar XJ220 — to see if it can justify another superlative: the world’s best supercar. Three unlikely imports from an earlier age are also tried out: the Hindustan Ambassador and Enfield motorcycle from India, and the VW Beetle from Mexico. And there’s a look at new automatic cameras aiming to catch speeding motorists. Presented by Tiff Needell, Chris Goffey and Janet Trewin.

Rover’s new coupe version of the 800 has all the extras, but is it worth its £30,000 price tag? Jeremy Clarkson finds out. And Chris Goffey goes motor racing in a VW Beetle.

On the first day of the Motor Show, the programme comes from the NEC, Birmingham, and features the most important new models, including Rover’s fastest road car, the 200 coupe, Ford’s updated Escort, and the British-built Nissan Micra. Plus a road test of two new exciting sports coupes, the Mazda RX7 and the Mitsubishi 3000GT. And a chance to win a highspeed ride in a Jaguar XJ220.

Jeremy Clarkson drives some of the glorious Maseratis that made the firm famous, as well as its new model, the 222. And Tony Mason reports on the Midland Rally, the final round of the Mobil One Top Gear British Rally Championship.

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.