TopGear South Africa’s “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car” Launches This April – Hosted by Jason Goliath

Fasten your seatbelts – TopGear South Africa is officially bringing one of the most iconic global motoring segments to local shores: “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car”, premiering this April exclusively on the TopGear South Africa YouTube Channel.

Globally celebrated and hilariously competitive, the segment has revved up audiences across the world – and now it’s SA’s turn to burn rubber and chase lap-time glory with a uniquely local twist. Each episode will see prominent South Africans take on the Formula-K racetrack in Benoni, behind the wheel of our specially kitted-out Suzuki Swift – the perfect balance of affordability, agility, and fun.

Why Jason Goliath?

Because there’s no one better to bring the banter, laughs, and unfiltered adrenaline than comedian and certified petrolhead Jason Goliath. With his natural flair for storytelling, genuine love for motoring, and unmistakable charisma, Jason is the perfect driver of this exhilarating format. Expect high-speed hilarity, heartfelt anecdotes, epic tyre squeals, and plenty of cheeky commentary.

What’s the show about?

It’s not just about the drive – it’s about the driver. From their first-ever clunker to their dream ride, from track nerves to turbocharged confidence, viewers will get a front-row seat to intimate (and often outrageous) celebrity interviews, personality-packed lap attempts, and thrilling leaderboard action. All served up with that signature TopGear attitude.

The reasonably priced car being used?

Hold onto your helmets, South Africa, because the new Reasonably Priced Car for our celebrity hot laps is here — and it’s the feisty Suzuki Swift! It’s the ideal choice for our star guests: cheap enough to make your accountant grin, popular enough that you probably overtook three on the way here, frugal enough to make a Prius blush, and so fun to drive that every roundabout feels like a hairpin at Kyalami. But in true Top Gear fashion, we haven’t left it stock. Craig O’Donaghue and his crew at C O Motorsports have transformed this Swift into a track-ready terror, and with ATS generously sponsoring the build it’s now kitted out with OMP bucket seats, 6-point roll cage and 6-point racing harness and helmets to keep our star drivers safe and secure as they push the limits. And make no mistake: this isn’t just any Swift — it’s a leaner, meaner version built to take celebs to their limit without mercy (but with a harness). In a nod to the original UK series, which famously featured the Suzuki Liana, the Swift’s inclusion feels perfectly fitting, thanks to its dynamic handling and impressive affordability.

The Track?

Filming takes place at the Formula K Race Track — a world-class facility located just outside Johannesburg. With its technical corners, sweeping bends, and high-speed straights, Formula K is the perfect playground to test driving skill and extract every ounce of performance from our Reasonably Priced Car. It’s compact enough to keep the action tight yet challenging enough to make every lap feel like a showdown.

 Who’s driving the bigger engine behind TopGear SA?

The local TopGear machine is powered by media masterminds Avon Middleton and Lerato Matebese – co-founders of Clipping Point Publishing and the fearless duo responsible for bringing the TopGear brand to life in South Africa. Avon, a seasoned producer and multimedia strategist, brings the vision and business horsepower, while Lerato, an award-winning motoring journalist, fuels the editorial engine as Publishing Editor. Together, they’ve built a high-performance platform that’s fast-becoming SA’s ultimate automotive content destination.

How is talent selected?

Guests are carefully hand-picked for their impact, personality, and passion (or at least a soft spot) for cars. Whether it’s a chart-topping musician, beloved actor, sporting icon, or cultural game-changer, they’re invited not just to entertain — but to test their skills, nerves, and humour on the track.

Where to catch all the action:

Episodes will premiere weekly on the TopGear South Africa YouTube Channel, with extended coverage and behind-the-scenes content across TopGear SA’s digital ecosystem, print magazine, and social platforms. The lapboard will be updated online – so yes, bragging rights are real.

Subscribe now to the TopGear South Africa YouTube Channel and follow the journey as SA’s most exciting personalities shift gears and chase brag-worthy lap times.

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