'Top Gear' Season 28 Nepal Special: Will death-defying drive to Forbidden City Lo Manthang decide best city car?
'Top Gear' Season 28 pulls out all stops as it puts Paddy McGuinness, Chris Harris and Freddie Flintoff, along with their chosen cars, in a journey that is sheer suicide. A Peugeot 106 Rallye, A Renault 4 GTL, and an Upper Mustang driven by Paddy, Chris, and Freddie respectively go through hell and back as the trio are tasked to find the best city cat that could get them to the Forbidden City of Lo Manthang, Nepal.
When Nepal Special was announced as the season opener, a tight, life-threatening journey was not most would have in mind. The episode starts with the three hosts having a new task: to determine the best city car in Nepal for under six grand. Paddy invests in a red Peugeot 106 Rallye, while Chris goes a blue light Renault 4. Freddie, probably anticipating the rough terrain gets a sturdy 4x4 in the Mustang as they make their way to Lo Manthang.
The first obstacle comes in the form of the Prithvi Highway— one of the busiest roads in Nepal and a potential accident zone. A lapse in concentration would surely send the driver and the car into a tumble and a certain death. With the trio managing to making it past the tough roads, they're immediately greeted by muddy, damp, heavily stoned, and pot-holed roads that toss the Peugeot and the Renault in every direction. If not for the Mustang, both cars wouldn't have made it past.
It's an obstacle for the two hatchbacks as they literally groan their way on upward roads. The only time they coast off is on straight roads, which are a sight for sore eyes. In their journey, the trio also gets to experience unique Hindu customs that they will forever remember. Their first pitstop would be the Muktinath temple where they need to drive a few passengers to further test the limits of the car. The three cars manage to make it through.
In what comes as an unfortunate incident, Renault tumbles down just when they near the Forbidden City. Mercifully, Chris isn't in the car and gives it a rather sentimental goodbye. Eventually, they make it to the destination and one final obstacle awaits them. The cars need to pass through a narrow door to make it to the main arena and only the battered Peugeot makes it through. The width of the Mustang prevents it from going on declaring the Red little hatchback as the winner.
Deep gorges, harsh terrains, and the scenic views coupled with some typical British banter make the special quite special. Personally, our money would have never been on the two cars, but the fact they made it up to the final point is an achievement. Add to that some skill by Paddy and great teamwork. However, if you want to head to Lo Manthang, we recommend the Mustang.
'Top Gear' Season 28 airs Sundays 8 pm ET on BBC America.