Kiwi viewers hate the new-look Top Gear as much as everyone else

It suffered a pile-on of hate when it debuted in the UK, and the new-look Top Gear has suffered a similar fate after its New Zealand debut.

Kiwi fans of the long-running car show lashed out at the show's new look and new host Chris Evans after its debut on Prime last night.

"That was absolutely rubbish. I am gutted I even sat through it! Won't be watching that ever again," wrote one on Prime TV's Facebook page.

"I expected it to be bad, I still gave it a chance, it was worse than I could have ever imagined! Chris Evans is horrible," wrote another.

"I watched, I cried," wrote a third. "If the best they could do for the opening show was that, then this is dead. Turned over after 10 minutes."

They were sentiments echoed by Newstalk ZB host Mike Hosking, who criticised Evans and co-host Matt LeBlanc for lacking the wit, banter and charisma of the show's previous hosts, Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond.

"The reviewers were spot on - Chris Evans is the weak link," said Hosking.

"Strange programme and you can see why it's going no where fast - they've got some serious troubles ... they need to do something about the Evans guy."

The show has come under fire in the UK after a massive ratings fall for the show's second episode, sparking a serious of critical tweets from Evans.

Overnight television viewing figures for Top Gear have never been less relevant. Obviously some newspapers prefer to live in the past.

— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) June 6, 2016

The way Top Gear is being viewed is repositioning the way television is consumed. Last week 9 millions viewers. This week we shall see.

— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) June 6, 2016

Top Gear audience grew throughout the hour. FACT. Won its slot. FACT. Still number one on i Player. FACT. These are THE FACTS folks.

— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) May 30, 2016

The new Top Gear is a hit. OFFICIALLY. 23 % audience share. 12% MORE than the opening episode of the last series. These are the FACTS.

— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) May 30, 2016

Evans and LeBlanc replaced Clarkson, Hammond and May after the trio left following an incident between Clarkson and one of Top Gear's producers.

They're making their own car show, called The Grand Tour, through Amazon Prime. It's set to debut later this year.