Top Gear Season 12 Episode 6: Fiesta Tested, Soviet Cars Explored
Jeremy Clarkson takes the new Ford Fiesta for a thorough test while the presenters search for the best Soviet car, with Boris Johnson joining as the star guest.
BBC Two aired Top Gear Season 12 Episode 6 on 7 December 2008, featuring Jeremy Clarkson’s test of the new Ford Fiesta and a group challenge to find the best Soviet car. Boris Johnson, then Mayor of London, appeared as the episode’s Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.
Clarkson’s segment with the Ford Fiesta focused on how the car copes with everyday British driving. The test included navigating a shopping centre, being pursued by a Corvette in a mock police chase and even driving onto a beach during a Royal Marines exercise. The aim was to answer common buyer questions about the Fiesta’s practicality and agility, rather than simply reviewing performance figures.
Soviet car challenge
Richard Hammond, James May and Clarkson each selected a Soviet-era car for a series of tests, exploring reliability, comfort and suitability for British roads. The trio’s choices reflected the limited but distinctive range of cars produced in the former USSR, and the segment mixed historical context with the usual Top Gear humour. The practical challenges highlighted the quirks and shortcomings of these vehicles, which were rarely seen on UK roads at the time.
- Clarkson: Chose a Russian-made car for the challenge
- May: Selected a Soviet classic to test comfort and endurance
- Hammond: Opted for a model known for its utilitarian design
Star in a Reasonably Priced Car
Boris Johnson took to the Top Gear test track in the Chevrolet Lacetti, joining the leaderboard of celebrity lap times. His appearance brought a political angle to the segment, as Johnson discussed transport issues and his own driving experiences during the interview with Clarkson.
