Autoblog’s comments regarding the Australian version of Top Gear are probably fair enough - the formula at this stage, is just not working. But I give you these videos so you can check it out for yourself.

With a caveat though - the big problem here is that the British Top Gear version has been taken and planted in Australia, without too much consideration of how the local culture might react. The script writing needs to be more sophisticated, more (dare I say?) modern - who uses the expression “a pack of turkies” these days?

The above video is a test-off of “two iconic Australian cars” - the Ford Falcon and a Holden. The only problem is, it needs to be slick and smooth. It just looks like two hoons out for a joy ride, which ignores the impetus behind the program itself.

The below video is the first episode and shows the presenters a little too uptight - Steve definitely needs to talk less and the scripting needs to lighten up to make room for some improvisation. I like Charlie Cox though - he gives the impression of knowing what he’s talking about. I think Top Gear Australia has a future - a few tweaks and the public might come around. After all, Australians are a fickle television audience. Your thoughts…?