Top Gear Season 17 Episode 2: Hot Hatches and McLaren MP4-12C Tested in Italy
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May head to Italy to compare hot hatches, while the new McLaren MP4-12C gets a full road test.
Top Gear’s second episode of series 17, broadcast on 3 July 2011, sent Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May to Italy for a challenge involving three of the era’s most talked-about hot hatchbacks. The trio’s road trip, set against a backdrop of winding Italian roads and confusing towns, put the Citroën DS3 Racing, Fiat 500C Abarth and Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup through a series of real-world tests.
Hot hatchbacks on Italian roads
Clarkson took the wheel of the Citroën DS3 Racing, a limited-run, performance version of the DS3 with uprated suspension and a turbocharged engine. Hammond drove the Fiat 500C Abarth, bringing Italian flair and a folding roof to the mix. May’s choice was the Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup, a car well regarded for its sharp chassis and naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine. The presenters navigated a scavenger hunt that forced them to contend with Italian signage and local drivers, putting the cars’ handling, practicality and fun factor to the test.
- Citroën DS3 Racing: turbocharged 1.6-litre, 204bhp, limited production
- Fiat 500C Abarth: turbocharged 1.4-litre, 140bhp, convertible roof
- Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup: naturally aspirated 2.0-litre, 200bhp, track-focused setup
McLaren MP4-12C tested by Clarkson
Away from the group test, Clarkson reviewed the McLaren MP4-12C, the first all-new supercar from McLaren since the F1. Priced at £168,500, the MP4-12C featured a carbon fibre tub, twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V8 producing just under 600bhp, and a dry weight of 1,301kg. The car’s technical highlights included hydraulically interconnected suspension, adaptive dampers and optional ceramic brakes. Clarkson focused on its advanced chassis and the way McLaren aimed to blend comfort with extreme performance.
The MP4-12C’s arrival marked McLaren’s return to the supercar market, competing directly with established rivals from Ferrari and Lamborghini. Its use of a carbon fibre monocoque and advanced suspension set it apart from most contemporaries. For more on the MP4-12C’s international promotion, seeour coverage of its Middle East launch promo.
Star in a Reasonably Priced Car
Comedian Ross Noble joined the studio as the episode’s celebrity guest, taking on the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car challenge. As usual, the segment provided a lighter break from the road tests and technical analysis.
Episode context and links to other Top Gear features
Season 17 Episode 2 followed the established Top Gear format, mixing ambitious road trips, supercar reviews and celebrity laps. For those interested in earlier Top Gear hot hatch challenges, see Season 13 Episode 4’s hot hatch duel.
The episode’s blend of accessible performance cars and cutting-edge supercar technology reflects Top Gear’s continued appeal to a broad motoring audience in 2011.
