we get top gear here on SBS. In fact, SBS has bought the rights from the BBC to do a local version, so now there are 2 versions.
Australia badly needs a good automotive show. We had a good one that aired from 1973-1980 on the ABC called 'Tourque', it was hosted by peter wherrett, a then-prominent motoring journo. Then we got other bits of rubbish, people hosting who had no idea what they were talking about. Now on channel 9 we have a show which is essentially is a 30 minute ad for penrite oils and shannons insurance. ok but could be a lot better.
back to toyotas being tough.....well they are designed for the whole world, not just the west. as an example, notice how the standard corolla ride height is a bit higher than the standard compact? well, bear in mind that it is used en masse in places like thailand, afghanistan and the caribbean as police cars and taxis. sometimes the roads are not paved, so the suspension is raised a little and made more heavy duty to suit (explains the crap ride?)
anyway, love topgear, I buy any top gear DVD i can get my hands on...