Jeremy Clarkson has opened up about a rather uncomfortable experience during a recent drive in Oxfordshire, revealing a “problem” with his car that led to a complaint from his girlfriend, Lisa Hogan. Known for her appearances on the popular Prime Video series Clarkson’s Farm, which follows the former Top Gear star’s life as a farmer on his Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington, Hogan has become a familiar face to viewers. The couple, who began dating back in 2017, reside together in Oxfordshire, where Clarkson often takes on new vehicles for testing.
In a recent column for the Sunday Times, Clarkson recounted an incident that occurred while he was testing out a new Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. As many know, Clarkson’s love for cars is well documented, and he has driven some of the most luxurious and high-performance vehicles on the market. However, this particular test drive turned out to be more problematic than anticipated, as Clarkson found himself facing a “problem” that led to some complaints from his partner.
The issue stemmed from the Alfa Romeo’s suspension system, which Clarkson described as exceptionally firm. While it might have been fine for an enthusiast, it caused discomfort for his passenger. According to Clarkson, the ride was so unforgiving that Lisa Hogan asked him to slow down as they drove on the A40, just outside of Oxford. In fact, she even suggested reducing their speed to 50mph to make the drive more bearable. Clarkson humorously added that the experience was so rough that it felt as if they were “falling down a flight of stairs.”
The complaint from Hogan highlights a key issue with some high-performance sports cars, where the focus on performance and handling can sometimes make for a less-than-comfortable ride on everyday roads. While Clarkson was quick to admit that the Alfa Romeo was a “beautiful car,” the stiff suspension made it difficult for passengers to enjoy the ride, especially on roads that, in other vehicles, might feel much smoother.
In his column, Clarkson also reflected on the current state of car safety features. Specifically, he pointed out that it is now a legal requirement in both the UK and the EU for all new cars to be equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These systems are designed to automatically apply the brakes if an imminent collision is detected, and they also monitor the driver’s behavior to ensure safe driving. While Clarkson acknowledged the benefits of ADAS, he made it clear that, in his case, it was more the suspension that caused the issue, rather than the car’s driving technology.
The story not only provided some insight into Clarkson’s ongoing car testing adventures but also served as a glimpse into the personal side of his relationship with Lisa Hogan. As Clarkson’s Farm continues to capture viewers’ attention with its blend of farming, humor, and the dynamic between Clarkson and his team, this anecdote adds a layer of real-life fun to the picture.
In the world of car enthusiasts, it’s not unusual for a car’s performance to be praised or criticized based on its driving comfort, but Clarkson’s candidness about his experience with the Alfa Romeo brings a humorous and relatable twist. While some may have thought a car like the Giulia Quadrifoglio would be perfect for everyday roads, Clarkson’s test drive reminded everyone that not all high-performance vehicles are suited for leisurely drives, especially when comfort is key.
