The Hook Turn Podcast

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss the arrival of the Chinese Communist Party's car brand of choice, Hongqi, landing in Australia. Can it really challenge the German trinity of BMW, Mercedes and Audi?We also cover BYD's attempt to outdo Rolls-Royce by throwing every feature and luxury available under the sun in its new Altior sedan. Finally, we applaud Polestar listening to its customers by hinting at a much more tactile interior design for future models with its Formula 2030 concept.Show notes- Hongqi: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/chinese-luxury-brand-to-decide-on-ute-for-australia-within-six-months- Polestar Formula 2030: https://www.polestar.com/uk/concept-cars/formula-2030/- BYD/Yangwang Altior: https://www.drive.com.au/news/yangwang-altior-revealed-as-byds-rolls-royce-rival/

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss news that smartphone and jack-of-all-trades consumer electronics manufacturer Xiaomi might sell cars in 2028 in Australia. We also cover off on new car sales figures for Australia in October, and Mahindra finally coming to the party in the UK.Show notes:- Xiaomi: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/xiaomi-cars-all-but-confirmed-for-australia- October new car sales: https://www.drive.com.au/news/australian-new-car-sales-in-october-2026-record-result-as-hilux-tops-vfacts/- Mahindra in the UK: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/indias-mahindra-prepares-2027-uk-launch-bold-suv-trio

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Chery going berserk by bringing in 9(!) total brands to the already oversaturated Aussie market by mid-2027. Will brands like 'Exlantix' really have any staying power, or will your friends laugh when you told them that you bought something that sounds like cough syrup from Chemist's Warehouse?Meanwhile, we know that Alfa Romeo is a fickle mistress that has seduced us many times, but we're hoping its latest concept won't turn us into spurned lovers. We examine whether it can really make production. Finally, AI is increasingly being used for vehicle engineering, and we cover off on news that GM is the latest customer. Can it really replace a human touch?Show notes:- Crazy Chery: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/chery-defends-enormous-brand-expansion-in-australia-says-some-wont-chase-big-sales- Alfa Romeo: https://www.topgear.com/car-news/concept/stop-press-theres-a-gorgeous-new-v6-alfa-romeo-and-its-cuorerosso- GM AI use: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/gm-says-ai-is-halving-the-time-it-takes-to-develop-a-new-car

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Tesla's latest iteration of the Roadster - their vapourware supercar. Can this one really be put on the road? We also cover Citroën's new interpretation of their iconic 2CV, reimagined for affordable EV motoring, and then take a different tack with the Porsche Mission S, which could come with a very unique Boxer (flat) style 8-cylinder engine.Show notes:- Tesla Roadster: https://daringfireball.net/2026/10/real_artists_ship_tesla_edition- Citroën 2CV: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/citroen-2cv-revived-as-budget-ev-steeped-in-nostalgia- Porsche Mission S: https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-germancars/stunning-mission-s-previews-mid-engined-porsche/51793

We have criticised Jaguar a lot for their controversial (to say the least) rebranding. In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we gladly eat humble pie following the reveal of the all new Type 01. We also cover an entirely new car brand, Ceer, from Saudi Arabia, and do the first ever Autotrader UK challenge, looking at people movers under £15k.Show notes:- Jaguar Type 01: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C09gp5ioryw- Ceer: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/ceer-exobot-sedan-and-suv-are-saudi-arabias-first-locally-made-evs