In the past year or so, the automotive world has seen some things. Some are out of this world like the Aston Martin AM-RB 001, some downright crazy like Edna from Atieva. Today, Jeremy Clarkson, who is now filming for a new TV series, The Grand Tour (TGT, get it?) has revealed his top 10 picks of cars introduced in 2015 and 2016.
To make it into the list, the former Top Gear host explains that the car must be more than just a mode of transport. It has to tingle your senses, speaks to your heart and excites your soul. Out of the 10 on his list, six are available or was available for sale in Malaysia. Without further ado, here’s his list.
Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Recaro
It seems that Clarkson is also drawn to the Jinba-ittai philosophy of Mazda. The ND roadster is not only fun to drive, he claims it’s akin to being “up there alongside a game of naked Twister with Scarlett Johansson and Cameron Diaz”. The variant of his choice comes with a manual tranny (of course), unlike what Bermaz has on offer. However, our editor, Matthew, test drove the stick shift in Japan. He too describes the experience with the MX-5 “casually dating Scarlett Johansson”.
This 1.75-litre turbocharged Italian doesn’t come with power steering but it does come with poor visibility and poor cabin refinement. Yet, the joys that the Alfa brings feels very human. Unfortunately, the 4C is not sold here, but you’d be lucky to spot a few mint units at some parallel importers.
A 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 in an SLS AMG chassis that weighs less than 1,600kg is surely a big yes in Clarkson’s book. Its long and wide stature led to Clarkson’s claim of it looking like a modern-day muscle car. The Mercedes-AMG GT S is the more potent of the lot, with 503 hp and 650 Nm of torque while the more tamed AMG GT settles with 456 hp and 600 Nm of torque. Fortunately for us, one of Clarkson’s top picks is available for sale in Malaysia.
Ford Focus RS
The Blue Oval mega hatch has been receiving praises from motoring enthusiast all over the world. Clarkson too, no less. For five or six times less the price, the Focus RS is able to keep up and even overtake supercars in that price bracket. Thanks to its 2.3-litre ecoboost churning out 350 hp, as well as having one of the most advanced four-wheel-drive systems fitted into a car, Clarkson compares this to the Nissan GT-R. There’s no news of it going on sale in Malaysia, and it probably never will.
Ford Mustang Fastback 5.0 V8 GT
This American muscle costs less than a Golf GTI in Great Britain, packs a huge V8 up front and slips the back end around every corner. What’s not to like? Although the Jaguar F-Type R packs the same formula, it is not a muscle car. This heavy body Mustang as Clarkson describes, is a little boy’s dreams come true. Good news, because the Stang is on sale here.
Volvo XC90 D5 AWD
The Swedish tank is an easy one to like. Proper space to fit seven adults comfortably, premium interior and an extremely luxurious ride. Simple Swedish recipe. Clarkson’s choice comes with a diesel engine, however, Volvo Car Malaysia has the next best thing, the XC90 T8.
Vauxhall Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTi Tech Line
A British representative made it to his list, the Vauxhall Zafira. The brand is not available locally. However, Clarkson claims it to be the most comfortable car in the world, even Rolls-Royce. Makes us want to have a go in it.
BMW M2
Munich’s baby M car is Clarkson’s favourite M car. It’s fast in a straight line and even through corners, all while putting a huge grin on your face. Clarkson remembers the time where he left more expensive GT cars in the dust. Malaysians can rejoice as the M2 is available for purchase through official channels, albeit with a slight wait on the purchase list.
Finally, a supercar to make it to the list, the turbocharged Prancing Horse from Maranello. The 488 GTB is described as devilishly good by Clarkson, so good in fact he calls it the perfect driving machine. It’s quite a feat for Ferrari, who somehow managed to turn a car with such brute force into such a liveable, tamed machine. Want one? It costs around RM1.07 million before taxes!
Not the best in a straight line, nor is it any good around a track but its stunning road presence justifies everything else. That monstrous V12 and large dimensions is all you ever need in a supercar, claims Clarkson. Here’s a link to Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur should you want to purchase one of Clarkson’s top 10.
So folks, what you think of Clarkson’s top 10 picks? Have you any to share? What are your personal picks?