It was partly so much of the talent left with the old trio (sign of them being good bosses I guess?), part that the BBC didn’t really seem to like or understand car culture or banter and seems to be intent on watering it down and also that Evans felt the need to (or someone told him to) jump in with both feet rather…

Alright BBC grows a brain.

Thank you! Articulated my opinions and feelings exactly, spot on.

Correct. For that money I’d expect a straight Defender, if it were a leaf sprung vehicle like this I’d expect a Series to be pretty immaculate for that price.

Evans is all right... ish. Just not front of house, as just another occasional presenter is where I want to see him.

Lots of sunglasses wearing, I’m not sure that lack of eye contact is a good thing in TV presenters - you never saw the old lot wearing shades like that.

Sic transit gloria mundi.

I’m British and my block warden has given me permission to agree with this.

They all do that Sir.

There are indeed upgrades that improve many aspects of Defenders. That said do remember that many Defenders had an “active” life driven by untrained halfwits who mistook them for a tank, smashed them into the scenery because did not own them and had no interest in servicing.

You’ve driven one?

Not a Defender, Series 2 (109" Military to be exact).

Strange siren. Was this an airport fire engine?

Agree with this article 100%, but they’ve got all the ingredients though: I think Evans taking a step back, LeBlanc getting a bit more practiced at non scripted stuff, Extra Gear being integrated into the main show and more actual car reviewing and it’d be good.

I reckon Evans would be just fine as another host just not as the main.

The BBC’s attitude reminds me of Clarkson putting their remaining tame racing driver in a full face helmet and making him mute so as not to steal the motoring journo’s thunder, now the Beeb have put the journalists into a kind of apartheid so as not to distract us from the celebs.

It seems like Evans and LeBlanc have been told to tone down the full on petrolhead stuff and they don’t have so many practical people behind the scenes - example, that drag race where the Jeep and Land-Rover get bogged down in the sand because they’re on mud tyres. Now I feel old TG would have aired their tyres down,…

Matt LeBlanc and Sabine have immediately apparent potential, the rest I’ll give a bit of time.

I’m sure you’re legit. All these Ali G types on the other hand...

Yeah these sad wankspangles love to talk they are sort of Jamaican wannabees.