Claim OwnershipThe Hook Turn Podcast
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© Vivek Shah and Sanbib Ahmed
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The Hook Turn Podcast is your serving of banter, unabridged commentary and hot takes on all things automotive. We look at the latest new models, try predicting what’s next and throw in an added dose of the latest updates from the world of F1.
43 Episodes
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In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Land Rover partnering with Chery to turn its dormant Freelander into a standalone brand. We also discuss Lucid's attempt to crack the UK (and potentially Australian) markets with the new Cosmos SUV. Moving away from electrified SUVs, we also discuss the rugged new Hyundai Boulder SUV, which takes aim at the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco and Toyota LandCruiser Prado, amongst others.Show notes:-Freelander SUV concept: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/freelander-concept-97-previews-first-model-from-land-rover-chery-joint-venture -Lucid Cosmos: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/lucid-launch-uk-next-year-bmw-ix3-rival-Hyundai Boulder: https://www.drive.com.au/news/hyundai-boulder-concept-revealed-to-preview-toyota-prado-hilux-rivals/
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Xpeng having a dispute with its Australian distributor, and the importance of retaining customer trust. We also discuss the return of the iconic Toyota Celica, and chat about what car sold overseas we'd most like to see down under.Show notes:- Xpeng: https://zecar.com/reviews/true-ev-distribution-external-administration - Toyota Celica: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/toyota-celica-revival-to-be-powered-by-2-0-litre-turbo-hybrid-report - DS No8: https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/ds/no-8- Cadillac CT4-V: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a64780191/2025-cadillac-ct4-v-test/
It's finally happening!! Sanbib and I have both been very excited to hear more about BMW's Neue Klasse, and in this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Australian pricing for the iX3, and the full reveal of the production i3 - with an incredible 900km (WLTP) of range! We also discuss a potential return to form for Audi, with news that the A2 is making a comeback. Finally, Renault has had a lot of success in Europe over the last 24 months with the R5 and the R4 - but can it replicate this here? We discuss as part of our 'brand focus' series. Show notes:-BMW iX3 pricing and specs: https://zecar.com/reviews/2026-bmw-ix3-price-specs-australia-BMW i3 revealed: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2027-bmw-i3-revealed-as-australias-new-longest-range-ev-with-900km-range/-Audi A2: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/audi-a2-name-officially-confirmed-new-electric-hatchback-Reanult: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/renaults-coolest-evs-blocked-by-australian-safety-rules
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss VW's attempt to be 'the chosen one' in the small car segment with the facelifted ID. 3 Neo. Going in the opposite direction, this week brings confirmation that Honda is also scrapping its dramatic 0 series sedan and SUV models - what does this mean for the storied Japanese brand known for its engineering nous?Finally, we discuss a pair of new budget EV hatchbacks and provide our view on which one you should pick.Show notes:- VW ID. 3 Neo: https://www.electrifying.com/blog/article/vw-id-3-neo-is-the-chosen-one- Honda scraps 0 series: https://www.drive.com.au/news/honda-cancels-ev-plans-citing-decline-in-competitiveness-as-a-factor/- GAC Aion UT: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-gac-aion-ut-price-and-specs-byd-dolphin-and-mg-4-rival-detailed-for-australia/- MG4 EV Urban: https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/mg4-ev-urban-all-new-electric-hatchback-australia-launch
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we touch on the latest from the Australian F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne. Cadillac is one of the new teams in the 2026 Formula 1 season, but they're also expanding their road car lineup in Australia. We discuss the new Optiq and Vistiq and whether they have any chance at taking pole position in their segments. We also discuss the latest on a hugely significant car for VW, the next-generation Golf, and speculate on who will win the latest World Car of the Year award. Show notes:-Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq: https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/cadillac-prices-optiq-vistiq-evs-imminent-australian-arrival -Next generation VW Golf: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/next-volkswagen-golf-previewed-first-time-World COTY: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/world-car-of-the-year-top-three-finalists-announced
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we continue discussing the ongoing trend by carmakers to backtrack on EVs - this time, with some upcoming models from Mercedes and Lamborghini. Finally, we discuss MG. MG was the hottest Chinese brand in 2023, but sales have fallen over the last two years despite a push to move upmarket and lots of new metal. What's happening?Show notes:- Lamborghini Lanzador: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/lamborghini-ditches-its-first-ev-for-new-plug-in-hybrid-gt- Mercedes-Benz 'Little G': https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/2027-mercedes-benz-little-g-offer-choice-hybrid-or-ev- MG: https://www.goauto.com.au/news/market-insight/market-insight-2025/market-insight-the-rise-and-fall-of-mg-motor/2025-12-15/98131.html
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Honda's decision to backtrack from some of its more ambitious EV goals. Is this a smart realignment, or another episode in what has been a worryingly scattershot approach to BEVs ?We also cover the (finally) good looking Audi RS 5, and speculate on whether yet another new Chinese brand, Avatr, heralds a new dawn in the luxury EV space in Australia. Show notes:-Honda's revised EV strategy: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/honda-revises-ev-strategy-after-posting-fourth-straight-quarterly-loss-Audi RS 5: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-audi-rs5-to-punch-out-470kw-825nm-thanks-to-plug-in-hybrid-powertrain/-Avatr 12: https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/2026-avatr-12-review-international-quick-drive/
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss the interior reveal of the Ferrari Luce, the storied Italian brand's first EV, and first collaboration with former Apple designer Jony Ive. We also discuss news that ANCAP, Australia's unofficial vehicle safety agency, will be advocating against flush door handles. Finally, we discuss more disappointing news about the Mazda CX-5, notably that a cost-cutting drive has led to a drop in interior quality.Show notes:- Ferrari Luce: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/ferrari-luce-debut-evs-name-and-iphone-style-interior-revealed- Jony Ive's thoughts on interior design: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/touchscreens-wrong-technology-main-car-controls-says-iphone-designer- ANCAP calls for flush door handle ban: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/ancap-calls-for-australian-ban-on-door-handles-used-by-tesla-byd-and-others - Mazda CX-5 cost cutting: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-mazda-cx-5-buyers-wont-notice-cost-cutting-measures-executive/
In this week's episode of the Hook Turn podcast, we discuss Genesis making a bold decision to develop a bespoke new platform just for itself, that covers the full gamut of electric, hybrid and range-extender powertrain options. We also discuss Stellantis continuing its chaotic track record with yet another multi-billion dollar strategic error, as the European giant backtracks from going all-in on EVs. Finally, we contrast this with Jaguar, which remains committed to an electric-only future as it aims to create its own niche between the premium Germans and ultra-luxury marques such as Bentley. Show notes:Genesis bespoke architecture: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/genesis-eyes-premium-dynamics-bespoke-platform-evs-hybridsStellantis loses money: https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/stellantis-writes-down-billions-resets-ev-strategy-jeep-chrysler-ram Jaguar Type 00: https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/jaguar/type-00-prototype/first-drive
When Elon rolled out his master plan for Tesla, he infamously revealed that his model naming strategy was to have a lineup of vehicles that spelt 'SEXY.' To paraphrase a famous song from Justin Timberlake, in this week's episode of the Hook Turn podcast, we discuss Musk's failure to bring S3XY back by ditching the S and X. We also discuss Mercedes continuing to infest as many screens as humanly possible in its latest S-Class, and talk about our picks for proper luxury cars under $50k with another iteration of the Carsales challenge.Show notes:- Tesla stops Model S and Model X production: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/28/tesla-ending-model-s-x-production.html - New Mercedes-Benz S-Class: https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/mercedes-benz-unveils-updated-s-class-new-tech-revised-v8
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, Sanbib comes up with an extremely dull choice for his favourite Aussie-made car. We also discuss Volvo's attempt to banish range anxiety with the all-new EX60, as well as Bugatti unveiling the ultimate Veyron as a one-off for a very special customer.Show notes:-Volvo EX60: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-volvo-ex60-electric-suv-with-810km-range-due-in-australia-from-this-year/ -Bugatti F.K.P. Hommage: https://www.drive.com.au/news/bugatti-veyron-revived-with-one-off-fkp-hommage-tribute/-Toyota Aurion TRD: https://redriven.com/reviews/toyota/aurion/used-toyota-aurion-trd-review/-Holden Monaro: https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/holden-monaro-cv8-z-review/
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Australian pricing and specs for Kia's oddball EV4. Can it successfully take on the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal? We also look at autonomous driving specialist Waymo making a local entrance, and cover BMW's latest drip-feed of info about its mighty new electric M3.Show notes- Kia EV4 pricing & specs: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-kia-ev4-price-and-specs-tesla-model-3-byd-seal-rival-arrives-in-australia/- Waymo enters Australia: https://thesizzle.com.au/p/waymo-australia-self-driving-cars-trial-2026 - BMW's electric M3: https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/01/13/2027-bmw-m3-electric-four-motors/
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss some of the winners and losers in our recap of Australian new car sales in 2025. We also talk about two new Chinese electric SUVs from non-Chinese brands, namely the Hyundai Elexio and the Mazda CX-6e.Show notes:-2025 Australian new car sales: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/big-auto-brands-are-losing-share-as-australias-new-car-market-fragments-Hyundai Elexio: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2026-hyundai-elexio-price-and-specs-aussie-tuned-chinese-ev-slots-in-under-ioniq-5-Mazda CX-6e: https://www.carthrottle.com/news/mazda-cx-6e-specs-details-and-features
Happy New Year everyone! In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Tesla once again having an annual decline in sales. We also chat about what to look out for if you want to buy an ex-police car (very good value for money!) and our pick of brand new cars under $25,000.Show notes:- Tesla sales decline: https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/01/tesla-sales-fell-by-9-percent-in-2025-its-second-yearly-decline/ - Redbook: Brand new cars under $25k: https://www.redbook.com.au/cars/results/?q=(And.Price.range(..25000)._.CurrentRelease.True.)&sort=MakeModel
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Kia's new Tasman ute failing to meet its lofty sales expectations. We also chat about what the atrocious 1 star ANCAP safety rating means for the future of the Suzuki Fronx in Australia. Finally, we wrap up the year by discussing the cars that impressed us the most.Show notes:- Kia Tasman sales: https://www.drive.com.au/news/kia-walks-back-ambitious-tasman-sales-goal-for-2026-which-helped-it-get-into-showrooms/ - Suzuki Fronx safety: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/official-safety-recall-for-suzuki-fronx-after-seatbelt-failure-sparks-urgent-investigation
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss why the EU has broken its commitment to ban tailpipe emissions from new vehicles entirely by 2035, and what this could mean for consumers. We also talk about BYD bringing some (very) cheap dreams to market with the new Sealion 5, Australia's cheapest new PHEV. Finally, we undertake another iteration of the Carsales challenge - this time, hot hatches under $20k.Show notes:- EU drops 100% tailpipe emissions reduction target: https://www.spglobal.com/automotive-insights/en/blogs/2025/12/europe-shifts-into-reverse-on-eu-2035-ice-ban - BYD Sealion 5: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-byd-sealion-5-price-and-specs-australias-cheapest-plug-in-hybrid-due-early-next-year/
Not content with the original Lexus LFA, in this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Toyota's attempt to again prove that it has supercar chops with the new GR GT and (electric) LFA concept. We also discuss Sanbib's favourite car, the new Kia Seltos. Finally, we conclude with news that MG, perhaps the most established Chinese brand in Australia, has decided to take the Camry head-on with the launch of the new MG 7.Show notes:- Toyota GR GT: https://toyotagazooracing.com/gr/grgt/wp/ - Lexus LFA concept: https://www.lexus.com.au/news/2025/12/05/lexus-unveils-lfa-concept-bev-sports-car- MG 7: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-mg-7-price-and-specs-toyota-camry-rival-brings-turbo-power/
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss the latest plot arc in the Jaguar Land Rover drama. This time, the shocking departure of Gerry McGovern, JLR's ostensibly autocratic Chief Creative Officer, and responsible for hits like the new Defender, and (what we think) will be misses such as the Type 00 concept. We also discuss new updates to Australian vehicle safety ratings, and end with our thoughts on whether Toyota is literally just dreaming with the crazy new Corolla concept.Show notes:- Gerry McGovern fired: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/jlr-axes-design-boss-gerry-mcgovern - 2026 ANCAP safety ratings: https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.ancap.com.au/app/public/assets/55242003ce81cea982bcf523ce917f1763ea1ad6/original.pdf?1764115390 - Radical new Toyota Corolla concept: https://www.carscoops.com/2025/10/toyota-shows-the-future-of-the-corolla/
In this week's episode of the Hook Turn podcast, we discuss a one-two punch from Korea. Not only has Genesis launched a new performance sub-brand to take on BMW M, Audi RS and Mercedes AMG head-on, but the broader Hyundai Group reveals that it's now more profitable than VW. Speaking of the VW group, we also discuss Porsche's new Cayenne Electric and what it might mean for the luxury SUV market. Show notes:-Genesis Magma GT concept: https://www.drive.com.au/news/genesis-magma-gt-concept-previews-a-production-ready-v8-mid-engined-supercar/-Hyundai overtakes VW in profitability: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/hyundai-has-overtaken-volkswagen-to-become-2-globally-in-profit-says-ceo-Porsche Cayenne Electric: https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/2025/products/porsche-cayenne-electric-technological-milestone-41128.html
The HiLux is a longstanding success story for Toyota in Australia, but has recently been eclipsed by the Ford Ranger. In this week's episode of the Hook Turn podcast, we discuss whether a makeover finally means that the HiLux can live up to its 'High Luxury' nameplate. Renault has been on fire recently with a series of stylish, award-winning EVs, including the new Renault 4 and 5. While these are still forbidden fruit (for now), we discuss whether the launch of the new Scenic EV can help with an uptick in sales for the storied French brand.Finally, we conclude with some news that Ford has ostensibly run out of aluminium to build the F-150 Lightning EV. But is that really the case?
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