Top Gear’s celebrity-driven ‘Reasonably Priced Car’ sells at charity auction

By Andrew Hard Published December 30, 2015

2013 Vauxhall Astra — Image used with permission by copyright holder

One lucky bidder now has the ultimate Top Gear souvenir, and a functional one to boot.

The BBC program’s most recent “Reasonably Priced Car” — a 2013 Vauxhall Astra Tech Line GT — has been sold on eBay for £17,800 ($26,364). The auction benefits the BEN Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund, a U.K.-based automotive charity.

Recommended Videos

“Star in a Reasonably Priced Car” was always a popular segment on Top Gear, as it featured celebrities from the car world and beyond lapping the famous Dunsfold track in a lighthearted competition. Personalities like Will Smith, Benedict Cumberbatch, Margot Robbie, Hugh Jackman, and Ron Howard all took the Astra for a spin, and English singer-songwriter Olly Murs holds the lap record with a time of 1:44.6. Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul and actor Nicholas Hoult are tied for second at 1:44.7, and AC/DC vocalist Brian Johnson comes in third with a time of 1:45.1.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

The Astra began its Top Gear tenure on Season 20, and since then, it has accumulated 2,908 tough miles. The show’s fourth Reasonably Priced Car after the Kia Cee’d, Chevrolet Lacetti, and Suzuki Liana, the car sold for more than double its estimated current value at auction. Experts estimate that, without the star-studded imprints in the front seat, an Astra of this vintage would sell for £7,775-£8,325 ($11,518-$12,333) today. Because of the roll cage, though, all the Vauxhall’s airbags have been disabled.

As Top Gear prepares for a resurgence next year, the value of memorabilia from the 2002 series is only going to increase. It is not known if the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment will continue with new host Chris Evans at the helm, but the program’s launch in May 2016 will be telling. As for the original trio? Clarkson, Hammond, and May’s new show on Amazon Prime is expected to debut later in the year.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

Cars

Faraday Future could unveil lowest-priced EV yet at CES 2025

Faraday Future FF 91

Given existing tariffs and what’s in store from the Trump administration, you’d be forgiven for thinking the global race toward lower electric vehicle (EV) prices will not reach U.S. shores in 2025.

After all, Chinese manufacturers, who sell the least expensive EVs globally, have shelved plans to enter the U.S. market after 100% tariffs were imposed on China-made EVs in September.

Cars

Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Tesla Model Y: Does electric SUV beat the bestselling EV?

Hyundai Ioniq 9 driving

The long-awaited Hyundai Ioniq 9 is finally on the way, after months of waiting for what many hope will be a true competitor to the Kia EV9. The electric SUV is likely to be one of the go-to options for those who want a larger EV at a lower price than the likes of the Rivian R1S. But, while it's larger than the Tesla Model Y, it's also likely to be a little more expensive.

The two vehicles are a bit different when it comes to things like performance, range, and charging. Is the Hyundai Ioniq 9 worth the extra cash, or should you go for the cheaper, yet smaller car? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The overall designs of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Tesla Model Y are pretty different, and that may be enough to sway your buying decision. The Ioniq 9 is a true SUV; it's big and boxy, and while it looks a little sleeker than some SUVs thanks to its curved roofline, it's clearly larger than the Tesla Model Y. At the front of the Ioniq 9 is a long light bar separated into pixel-like blocks that helps give the vehicle a unique design motif. At the rear of the Ioniq 9, you'll also find pixel lights curving around the sides and top of the trunk. The Ioniq 9 measures 199.2 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 70.5 inches high.

Cars

Volvo EX90 vs Tesla Model Y: Is Tesla’s cheaper EV also better?

2025 Volvo EX90 front quarter view.

The Volvo EX90 is finally here. The all-electric Volvo SUV was first unveiled a few years ago, but after some delays, the sleek Scandinavian vehicle is now available for order. As an electric SUV, it will go up against the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9. However, it will also have to compete with the most popular electric vehicle out there: the Tesla Model Y.

There are some clear differences between the two vehicles. While the Volvo EX90 is noticeably larger, the Tesla Model Y is significantly cheaper. Should you spend the extra cash for Volvo’s electric SUV, or should you opt for the Tesla?
Design
Perhaps the most obvious difference between the two vehicles lies in their design. The EX90 is more of a traditional SUV, featuring a big, boxy build that’s larger than the arguably crossover-sized Tesla Model Y. Beyond basic dimensions, however, there are plenty of other design differences. For instance, the Volvo EX90 has a more traditional appearance compared to the Model Y, which, despite being on the market for some time, remains relatively unique when compared to vehicles from other manufacturers. That’s not to say the EX90 looks dated — on the contrary, it’s sleek and stylish, showcasing Volvo’s signature design.