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Top Flop: 3 episodes in and the Internet still hates Top Gear

Cape Town - Spare a thought for new Top Gear presenter Chris Evans; despite being one of many presenters, he has been hung out to dry on social media since taking up the unenviable task of filling former host Jeremy Clarkson's huge shoes.

Since the first episode aired earlier in May, Evans has been critisised for his "shouty", aggressive approach, lack of driving skills and missing the all too important je ne sais quoi... a quality Clarkson has in bucketloads, at least when he's not out punching producers or spouting racist quips.

Each episode a smidgen better than the last

I've watched the first three episodes of the all-new 23rd season, featuring the aforementioned Evans alongside Matt LeBlanc, Sabine Schmitz, Eddie Jordan, Chris Harris and Rory Reid.

I must admit that the show has improved with each new episode. Evans has "calmed down" quite a bit, LeBlanc's dry sense of humour comes to the fore, Sabine's driving skill is world class and Harris' ability to fuse nerdy car facts with 'slideways' action is masterful.

The two presenters I'd like to see more are former F1 driver Eddie Jordan and Rory Reid.

The third episode, which aired in the UK (June 12) opens with a track test of the new SA-bound Audi R8 around the California's Laguna Seca (in which Evans may or not throw-up in...).

Chris Harris drives a Ferrari F12 TDF

The latest episode, due to air on SA screens at 8pm on Wednesday (June 15,) features arguably the show's best host yet - Chris Harris.

Harris, a long-time British motoring journalist, makes his debut in the third episode behind the wheel of the ferocious Ferrari F12 TDF at the Paul Ricard circuit in France.

Read: Top Flop? SA fans react to all-new Top Gear

Fans also meet the team's youngest member, Rory Reid (He has previously only been in TG's spin-off Extra Gear). He drives the new Ford Focus RS (set to be launched in SA in July 2016) and compares it to the latest hot hatches: Mercedes-AMG A45 and the Honda Civic Type R.


If you're watching the show this evening tweet us @Wheels24 using the #Wheels24TG or email us and give us your thoughts.


The Internet reacts to S23/E3 of Top Gear:

Chris Evans tweeted on Tuesday (June 14):
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