Clarkson’s choice

WITH Top Gear taking a break from the airwaves and the popular show’s chief protagonist having gone on to new pastures, Jeremy Clarkson has kept his opinions bubbling under the surface for long enough and last week revealed his top 10 favourite cars of the year. 

In no particular order he included the Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Recaro, described as a ‘cure for depression’ and like a ‘game of naked twister with Scarlett Johansson;’ and the new Ford Focus RS, lauded for its advanced four-wheel drive. 

The Ford Mustang Fastback 5.0 V8 GT has an honourable mention for giving the iconic American corner-screeching machine a steering wheel on the ‘correct side’ for British Bullitt inspired Steve McQueen wannabes; while the Lamborghini Aventador is Clarkson’s supercar of choice.

A human touch helps the Alfa Romeo 4C coupe make the cut, despite it being a ‘terrible car’; and the Mercedes-AMG GT S is congratulated for axeing the daft gullwing doors of the SLS and shaving €70,000 off the asking price.

The Volvo XC90 D5 AWD gets a mention for its massively spacious and luxurious interior; and the new Vauxhall Zafira Tourer for its phenomenal smoothness. 

Having tested the BMW M2 in an impromptu road race Clarkson was impressed with its undoubted speed advantage over an Aston Martin D9 and Porsche 911 GTS, especially on corners; and the Ferrari 488 GTB makes up the top 10 courtesy of its bold decision to incorporate turbocharging, reliving the spirit of the legendary turbocharged F40. 

Keeping in character it’s an eclectic mix, with nary a British car in sight, next week Clarkson will share his most despised cars of the year so far.