1. PBS is mostly commercial free and does not depend as heavily on corporate sponsorship like the big three networks. Consequently, PBS would be (mostly) free from retribution from, say, GM, if the Top Gear crew rips the Chevy Aveo (and rightfully so). Furthermore, commercials won't interrupt the show on PBS as it would on the networks or on cable where shows are dependent on sponsors. Finally, being on PBS, the show would provide a relatively neutral and objective stage to test cars.
2. PBS has had a history of importing British television to America from Masterpiece Theater to Doctor Who. Even some original programming on PBS was based on the British; for example, Frontier House was based on the The 1900 House according to Wikipedia.
3. Top Gear would probably be an excellent addition to the current primetime lineup on PBS of documentaries. It would also be better than PBS's current car show, Motorweek.
4. NBC (or any other network) will probably screw it up.

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