Series 1 Plot
The first series of the relaunched television series Top Gear was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two starting on 20 October 2002, and concluding on 29 December 2002, and contained 10 episodes. The series included presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and Jason Dawe. This was Dawe's only series as a presenter on Top Gear.
Top Gear Series 1 aired on October 20th, 2002.
Series 1 Episodes
1. Episode 1
Jeremy Clarkson investigates the car bargain of the year and tests two supercars - the Lamborghini Murcielago and the Pagani Zonda. Richard tries to beat a speed camera, Jason reveals the worst tricks used by car dealers, and guest Harry Enfield takes a trip round the Top Gear test track as the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car
2. Episode 2
Jeremy test-drives the Focus RS, Jason outlines some great deals on the Citroen C5 & Rover 75, and Richard gets a dream come true, driving a Escort RS 1800. Later on, the brand new Noble M12 is track tested, and Hammond finds out how many motorcycles a double-decker bus can jump over. We also see Jay Kay, the Jamiroquai frontman, as the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.
3. Episode 3
Jeremy Clarkson reviews the new Mini Cooper and the Toyota Yaris Verso; Ross Kemp goes for a spin on the track, the Westfield XTR2 takes on the Pagani Zonda on the track, and some spunky grannies do some doughnuts.
4. Episode 4
Jeremy drives two supercars with F1 driver, Damon Hill - the Ferrari 575 M and the Aston Martin Vanquish, both of which feature F1-style paddle-shift gearboxes - and Richard tests some mid-sized two-litre executive cars made by Formula One manufacturers. Later in the show, Jeremy interviews WRC champion, Richard Burns, and Jason gives us tips on buying used skylines. We also get a exclusive look at the new Bond cars, and Steve Coogan is the star in a reasonably priced car.
5. Episode 5
We get a taste of luxury as Jeremy takes us through the latest Mercedes S-Class & Audi A8; Jason tells us about getting a Peugeot 206 as a second hand buy, and Richard tells us about the Mercedes with more luxury then the S-Class. Jason Dawe gives us some insider dealings, and Clarkson tests the Arnage T, while in the studio we make a Bond car, but with 300 quid. We also get talk show host Johnathan Ross in the Liana.
6. Episode 6
REVIEWS: Renault Vel Satis • BMW Z4 • Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG • Honda NSX Type R CHALLENGE: Grannies doing handbrake parking Jason Dawe looks at a used Golf, Jeremy test drives his own car and Richard drives the new BMW Z4 Roadster. The grannies return, this time to see who can master the 'art' of handbreak parking. The cool wall is unveiled.Tara Palmer-Tomkinson is the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.
7. Episode 7
REVIEWS: Saab 9-3 • Lotus Elise 111S CHALLENGE: Fastest faith This episode is dedicated to the environment - Richard tries to drive to work in an eco-friendly way. Jeremy drives a diesel supercar and the search for the fastest religion begins. Cars reviewed include the Saab 93, the Peugeot RC and the Lotus Elise. Jasaon Dawe visits a school with a selection of supercars, to find out which is the children's favourite.
8. Episode 8
REVIEWS: Audi RS6 • Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG • Maserati Coupé • Ford Fiesta • Citroën C3 • Honda Jazz • Nissan Micra • MG ZR CHALLENGE: Lada Riva modified by Lotus • Fastest white van man This week: 'driver's cars', the BMW M5 faces the challenge of its rivals, a Lada Riva 1.5E gets a make-over from Lotus and who is Britain's fastest van man? Also featured are the Audi RS6, the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, the new Maserati Coupé and a selection of super-minis: Ford Fiesta, Citroën C3, Honda Jazz, Nissan Micra and MG ZR. Michael Gambon is the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.
9. Episode 9
REVIEWS: Volvo XC90 • Subaru Forester • VW Golf R32 CHALLENGE: Stripped down Jaguar XJS The Radical raced with an aeroplane, the Renault Espace, and the new Subaru Forrester 2.0 XT also feature. The Volkswagen Golf R32, Ford Focus RS, Seat Leon Cupra R and the Honda Civic Type R - all hot hatchbacks compete to see which is the best. Gordon Ramsay is the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.
10. Episode 10
REVIEWS: Range Rover • Lotus Esprit • Nissan Primera • TVR T350C CHALLENGE: Fastest faith - part 2 This week, a review of 2002 and off-roading. The MTM Bimoto (based on an Audi TT) and the AS One, two German cars try to set the fastest lap on the track and there's the new Range Rover, the original Lotus Esprit and the TVR T350C. Those that couldn't make it into the first race came together for part two of "The Fastest Faith."
