The Hook Turn Podcast

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, Vivek discusses his reflections from attending the Melbourne Motor Show. We also talk about VW's heavily revised ID. 3 Neo. Finally, we examine Nissan's attempt to make us worry less about having a car accident, by revealing a car that already looks like it's had a side impact in the new Nissan Juke. Show notes: - Melbourne Motor Sho...

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Mazda looking to China to help stave off those emissions fines and retain market share in the hotly contested midsize EV SUV segment, with the new Mazda CX-6e. We also discuss Subaru's latest take on this segment with its ongoing Toyota partnership, namely the Trailseeker. Finally, BYD is on a hot streak, coming 3rd in the new car...

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 Bro...

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...

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. Finall...

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 o...

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 hu...

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: -...

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...

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...

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...

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 scree...

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-810...

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....

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-c...

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-202...

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...

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 - thi...

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...

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 rating...

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 SU...

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. Whil...

In this week's episode of the Hook Turn podcast, we discuss Toyota hinting at the return of the (shock horror) sexy new Prius in Australia. Meanwhile, Mazda claims it has developed a carbon capture device for its cars that can help recycle tailpipe emissions. Finally, we do another iteration of the Carsales challenge. This time, heavy-duty off-roaders under $20k. Show notes: - Toyota Prius: ht...

In this week's episode of the Hook Turn podcast, we discuss Toyota's retro-tastic, baby LandCruiser FJ, and whether it can successfully take on rivals such as the Suzuki Jimny. We then talk about Honda, and question their product planning nous in importing the tiny new Super-One EV but (still) not selling the funky new hybrid Honda Jazz in Australia. Finally, we move on to what you need to...

In this week's episode of the Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss BYD's latest attempt to bring EVs to the masses, with the $25k Atto 1 and its slightly larger sibling, the Atto 2. For the same price, however, you can also park a large luxury SUV in your driveway, and we take our pick from used options available on Carsales. We also talk about Mazda relying on Chinese expertise to finally launch...