In this undated handout photo issued by the BBC, US actors Tom Cruise left, and Cameron Diaz, centre, are welcomed by British television presenter Jeremy Clarkson during the filming of an episode of the programme Top Gear, Friday, July 23, 2010. – Photo by AP

LONDON: Mexico's ambassador in London has written a furious letter to BBC bosses to complain about “offensive and xenophobic” comments made by presenters of the popular TV motoring show “Top Gear”.

Ambassador Eduardo Medina Mora was infuriated by “insults” made by presenters Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May during Sunday's episode of the cult show, which has been sold to television channels around the world.

“Why would you want a Mexican car? Because cars reflect national characteristics don't they?,” said Hammond as they discussed the Mexican sports car, the Mastretta.

“Mexican cars are just going to be lazy, feckless, flatulent, overweight, leaning against a fence asleep looking at a cactus with a blanket with a hole in the middle on as a coat.”

The trio then described Mexican food as “refried sick” before suggesting Mexicans spent all day asleep.

“That's why we won't get any complaints about this because at the Mexican embassy the ambassador's going to be sitting there with a remote control like this,” said Clarkson, pretending to slump in a chair, snoring. – Reuters