Ep 2. Cheap sports saloons

In Top Gear season 15 episode 2, the hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May shift their focus to sports saloons. These are cars that can comfortably seat four people, yet still provide the driver with a thrilling experience behind the wheel.

To start things off, the hosts set a challenge for themselves: to each buy a sports saloon for less than 5,000 pounds. This proves to be a difficult task since they are looking for a car that isn't too old, isn't too expensive to run, and is still fun to drive.

After some searching, the hosts come up with their choices. Clarkson goes for a Volvo 850R, Hammond chooses a BMW 328i, and May selects a Mazda 626. They then put their cars through a series of challenges to see which one comes out on top.

The first challenge involves a drag race. The three hosts line up their cars and let rip down the runway. The results are surprising since the cheapest car, May's Mazda, ends up winning. This prompts Hammond to come up with a new challenge where they have to race around a track blindfolded with a driving instructor giving them instructions.

Although no one is hurt, May's car ends up getting destroyed after Hammond crashes into it. The hosts then go on to attempt to sell their cars for a profit. That doesn't go too well since May's car gets vandalized, Hammond's car breaks down, and Clarkson's car ends up getting a ticket.

Next up, the hosts compare their sports saloons to the present day BMW M3. They take the three cars to a track and put them through a series of tests: a drag race, a lap time trial and, most interestingly, a noise test. This test involves placing a microphone at the exhaust of each car and measuring the decibels. They also compare the cars' performance stats, evaluate how easy each is to live with day-to-day, and put them all through a race track battle.

Finally, the hosts return to the test track to answer a question that has been plaguing petrolheads for decades: which is better at drifting, a front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive car? To answer this question, the hosts use a wet track, two identical cones, and a lot of tyres.

Throughout the episode, the hosts showcase their usual banter, witty commentary, and well-known chemistry. They make fun of each other's car choices, poke fun at each other, and make jokes at each other's expense.

Overall, Top Gear season 15 episode 2 offers a fun and entertaining look at affordable sports saloons. The hosts take us on a journey through their trials and tribulations of finding a good sports saloon for less than 5,000 pounds and put them through a series of challenges to see which one comes out on top. Fans of the show will not be disappointed with this episode and it's certainly a great way for new viewers to get a taste of what Top Gear is all about.