Season 8

Frank Page reports on two new ideas for public transport in West Germany. Sue Baker investigates new transport concepts in overcoming some of the risks to women travelling in London at night. Judith Jackson tells the story of the resurgence in three years of one Japanese motor manufacturer from financial disaster to profitability without government aid.

In the next few years the technical changes in lorries are likely to be considerable and this week William Woollard reports on quieter, heavier trucks, improved fuel consumption through better aerodynamics and a new vibration rig. Chris Goffey reports on the finals of the Lorry Driver of the Year competition and Bob Friend, in Tokyo, reports on a strange car-blessing ceremony.

Britain's best-selling car, the Cortina, is replaced by the Ford Sierra. Frank Page traces the story behind the launch of this new multi-million pound model. Sue Baker visits Dunlop's new facility at the Motor Industry Research Association's track, which enables motorcycle tyres to undergo more stringent safety tests. Bob Friend reports on a new computerised navigation system aimed at easing Tokyo's traffic problems.

Chris Goffey highlights some of the pitfalls of buying a secondhand car and gives advice on how to avoid buying a 'pig in a poke'. From Japan, Judith Jackson discovers some of the new materials likely to be found in our cars in the future and Bob Friend reports on a development to assist the severely disabled driver. Wearing seat belts becomes compulsory in three months' time. Top Gear explains the new law.

This is the first chance for the French public to see the new Ford Sierra and compare it with a new Citroën. Frank Page reports the highlights of the show and Sue Baker road tests the Citroen BX. Chris Goffey reports on the cars the French can buy but the British cannot; he joins French drivers having a typical Relais Routiers lunch and visits the Schlumpf Museum in Mulhouse.

How do they make the best car in the world? William Woollard looks at the British craftsmanship that goes into making a Rolls-Royce. Judith Jackson completes her stories from Japan by looking at the Wankel rotary engine while Bob Friend reports on some new ideas from Tokyo taxi drivers. As Jaguar celebrates its 60th and most successful year, Frank Page asks Chairman and Managing Director John Egan to explain the recent change in its fortunes.