Top Gear Season 13 Episode 7: VXR8 Bathurst, Maloo and Scirocco Adverts
The final episode of Top Gear Series 13 features the Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst, HSV Maloo, Volkswagen Scirocco advert challenge and an appearance from Jay Leno.
The seventh and final episode of Top Gear’s thirteenth series aired on 2 August 2009, bringing together a mix of muscle cars, advertising mishaps and a high-profile guest. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May closed the season with a typically varied line-up, focusing on performance saloons, Australian muscle and a creative challenge involving the Volkswagen Scirocco.
Overview of Top Gear Season 13 Episode 7
Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst and HSV Maloo Tested
Clarkson took the Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst out on the Top Gear test track, examining its blend of V8 power and saloon practicality. The Bathurst, a UK-market version of the Australian HSV Clubsport R8, is fitted with a 6.2-litre V8 and, in Bathurst S form, came supercharged from the factory. The episode focused on the standard Bathurst, delivering 425bhp and rear-wheel drive in a package aimed at buyers wanting muscle-car performance without the German badge or price.
Alongside it, Hammond tested the HSV Maloo, a V8-powered pick-up based on the same underpinnings. The Maloo, rarely seen on British roads, offered similar power and rear-drive antics but with a load bay in place of a saloon boot. Both cars drew attention for their size, noise and approach to performance, standing out against more restrained European rivals. Their presence on the show highlighted the appeal of Australian muscle cars, which were less common in the UK market at the time, and provided a contrast to the more familiar European sports saloons.
Volkswagen Scirocco Advert Challenge
James May and Jeremy Clarkson were tasked with producing a television advert for the Volkswagen Scirocco TDI. Their brief: make something that would not bore viewers. The resulting efforts, true to Top Gear form, ranged from the bizarre to the controversial. Clarkson’s take referenced a fictional mass exodus from Warsaw, while May’s leaned into understated humour. The challenge highlighted both the difficulty of car advertising and the presenters’ willingness to push boundaries for entertainment. The adverts were memorable for their creativity and for pushing the boundaries of what might be expected from a car commercial, reflecting the show's irreverent approach to motoring television.
Jay Leno as Star in a Reasonably Priced Car
Jay Leno, the American comedian and car collector, appeared as the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car. He drove the Chevrolet Lacetti around the Top Gear test track, joining a long list of celebrities who have taken part in this segment. Leno’s appearance was notable due to his status as a prominent figure in the automotive world and his extensive car collection, which made his participation a highlight for enthusiasts. His visit also emphasised Top Gear’s growing international appeal, as Leno was well known to audiences beyond the UK.
Series 13 Finale and Context
Episode 7 wrapped up a series that had already featured the likes of the Ferrari FXX, Lotus Evora and a Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SV. The finale’s focus on Australian muscle cars and advertising antics offered a change of pace from the supercar-heavy episodes earlier in the run. Jay Leno’s appearance brought additional international attention, reflecting Top Gear’s growing global reach in 2009. The series as a whole was marked by a diverse selection of cars, celebrity guests, and creative challenges, maintaining the show's reputation for mixing entertainment with motoring content.
Earlier episodes in Series 13 included features on high-performance vehicles such as the Ferrari FXX, the Lotus Evora, and the Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SV, catering to enthusiasts of exotic cars. The previous episode, Season 13 Episode 6, included the BMW Z4, Nissan 370Z and a £3000 classic rally challenge, showing the show's willingness to cover a broad spectrum of automotive interests.
Reception and Legacy
Top Gear’s thirteenth series finale was well received for its variety and entertainment value. The inclusion of unusual cars like the Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst and HSV Maloo provided viewers with insights into models less familiar in the UK, while the Scirocco advert challenge showcased the presenters’ creativity. Jay Leno’s guest appearance added star power and international interest, underlining the show's status as a global phenomenon by 2009.
The episode’s blend of car reviews, challenges and celebrity involvement exemplified the format that made Top Gear popular around the world. By the end of Series 13, the programme had established itself as more than just a car show, appealing to a wide audience through its humour, stunts and the chemistry between its presenters.
- For more on the previous episode, see Top Gear Season 13 Episode 6: Z4, 370Z and a £3000 Classic Rally.
