You caught me...
Here's the thing: Most Auto Journos are considered self-employed, freelance writers. They are known to the manufacturers as "press" and have credentials to support that. They arrange to pick up a vehicle, whatever's available and worthy, in the journalist's opinion, of being reviewed. Upon arrival, they sign some forms and are given a car 'as is'. They have to pay for gas. If the tires are balding, but above the legal limit, tough sh!t. etc.
For Pritch, here's an opportunity to drive an exciting, expensive car, which gives him the creative 'juices' to write up an article, make a video, or both, to provide to a media outlet (such as Autos.ca) in exchange for a few bucks (barely covering the cost of his awesome hat, cup 'o jo, and gas - how Jacob can afford gas is beyond me given his unworldly-heavy foot).
So why, you ask, would he test a vehicle if it's in 'unsuitable' condition? Because that's his livelihood. You get what you can get, and while a Fiat 500 Turbo was likely available, he'd garner more money and more attention on reviewing a Shaguar.
^^all of the above is what I think and is wholly unsubstantiated and unconfirmed by anyone (especially not Pritch, Jacob, or autos.ca)
...but I do love hearing that I'm (at least in part) correct, so if I am, Pritch, please advise!!
