Vivek Shah and Sanbib Ahmed

The Hook Turn Podcast

Leisure EN ↓ 70 episodes

The Hook Turn Podcast is your serving of banter, unabridged commentary and hot takes on all things cars. We look at the latest new models and try predicting what’s next in the crazy world of today's automotive industry.

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: podcasters.spotify.com

Author

Vivek Shah and Sanbib Ahmed

Category

Leisure

Podcast website

podcasters.spotify.com

Latest episode

Nov 5, 2026

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Episodes

20: When to sell your car, Mercedes goes into rewind and Toyota hits fast forward 17.10.2025

In this week's episode of the Hook Turn podcast, we discuss the best time to sell your car. We also talk about centuries, namely Mercedes looking back about a century for for design inspiration, and Toyota finally deciding to break out its Century model into a brand ready for the 21st Century. Show notes: - Mercedes Vision Iconic: https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/design/concept-cars/vision-ico...

19: ASX eats a croissant and a scandalous Toyota-Mazda wedding 08.10.2025

In this week's episode of the Hook Turn podcast, we discuss Mitsubishi's sudden Francophile turn in sourcing the all-new ASX. We also cover rumours of a potential tie-up regarding two of the most iconic cars that Toyota and Mazda currently sell, before Vivek goes on a bit of a rant about his first experience sitting inside a Rolls-Royce. Show notes: - New Mitsubishi ASX: https://goauto.com...

18: The 3-in-1 EV, Porsche's U-Turn and affordable classics 01.10.2025

Is it a ute? An SUV? A luxury EV? In this week's episode of the Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Deepal's claim to have a vehicle that can be all three at once - the E07 Multitruck. We also discuss Porsche's EV about-face, and take a literal trip down memory lane to choose our pick of (relatively) affordable classic cars under $30k.

17: Red flags? Green flags? Drive Thru Media makes it clear 24.09.2025

In this week's episode of the Hook Turn podcast, special guest Shana Zlotin joins the show to chat about her new website, Drive Thru Media. Confused by jargon? Shana talks about how she's making it easy to choose your next car, one green (and red) flag at a time. Show notes - Check out Drive Thru Media at https://drivethrumedia.com.au - Instagram: @drivethru_media - TikTok: @drivethru_medi...

16: Mmmm, the Audi 'click' is back! Plus our fave driving roads and Renault's stunning new Clio 17.09.2025

In this week's episode of the Hook Turn podcast, we breathe a huge sigh of relief as Audi returns to its senses with the Concept C. We also discuss some forbidden fruit, Renault's new Clio, and go back down memory lane to have a look at our favourite driving roads. Show notes: - Audi Concept C: https://www.audi.com/en/innovation/design/striveforclarity/ - Renault Clio: https://www.drive.co...

15: A Prelude to the Neue Klasse, and our first cars 12.09.2025

In this week's episode of the Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss the production reveal of BMW's (new) Neue Klasse model, the iX3. We then turn our minds to Honda's sexy new Prelude, before rounding off with stories of our first cars. Show notes: - BMW iX3 (Neue Klasse): https://www.goauto.com.au/future-models/bmw/ix3/ix3-is-bmw-rsquo-s-first-neue-klasse-model/2025-09-08/97353.html - Honda Prelude: http...

14: T-Roc and Roll, ES90 and luxury on a budget 03.09.2025

In this week's episode of the Hook Turn Podcast, we take a look at whether the crucial new Volkswagen T-Roc marks a return to (some) form in the hotly contested small SUV segment, and Sanbib decides whether he will swipe right on an upgrade from his current model. We also take a look at Volvo's new flagship, the stunning new ES90, and how a lack of piano black might turn out to be a compet...

13: Fronting up with Fronx, Chinese onslaught continues and sports car challenge 28.08.2025

Suzuki is an enigmatic company. How can a brand that produces the Hayabusa superbike also produce such pedestrian, tinny cars? In this week's episode we discuss whether the new Fronx SUV has enough to change the equation for the Japanese brand. We also discuss GAC, another new Chinese brand and take our pick of genuine performance bargains under $40k. Show notes: - Suzuki Fronx: https://www.su...

12: Mercedes EV price shock, LFA successor and cheap SUV challenge 20.08.2025

This week on the Hook Turn podcast, we discuss Mercedes-Benz's latest desperate attempt to move stock of its EQ lineup of electric vehicles and Lexus' sexy new successor to the legendary LFA supercar. Finally, we place our bets in another iteration of the Carsales challenge - this time, our pick for an SUV under $15k. Show notes: -Mercedes cuts EQ prices: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-n...

11: Zeekr seeks sales, Cupra gets spicier and $30k EV challenge 13.08.2025

This week on the Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss the plight of one of the newest Chinese brands to enter the Australian market, Zeekr. We also predict whether Cupra's sexy new Terramar will be a hit locally (especially compared to the staid Tiguan) and then discuss our picks in the used EV market below $30k. Show notes: - Zeekr revises sales downwards: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/zeekr...

10: Kia's Tasman ute finally launches, $5k used car challenge and Lamborgini's new supercar 05.08.2025

This week on the Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss one of the biggest launches of the year - Kia's new Tasman ute. Can it overtake the Ranger and the HiLux? Can it propel Kia to new heights on the sales charts? And what about that rhino styling and small engine? We unpack all of this and more. We also take our chances on what *interesting* car we'd buy given a $5k budget on Carsales, and discu...

09: Subaru goes plastic fantastic, used EV challenge and Porsche makes a mistake 28.07.2025

Controversial to say the least, we discuss the new Outback and E-Outback and whether they can lead to further growth for the adventure focused Japanese brand. Concerns about long-term durability and battery longevity remain a reason for high depreciation with EVs, but that doesn't stop us from taking our picks on the used EV market. Finally, we discuss Porsche's admission that their busine...

08: Hyundai goes for performance, Mercedes goes for efficiency and Hertz goes AI crazy 21.07.2025

We take a look at Hyundai's latest N car, the Ioniq 6 N, and discuss whether Mercedes' focus on efficiency with the new CLA will be enough to attract sales in a cutthroat segment of the market. The car rental space might be one of the last areas you'd think would be upended by the AI revolution, so has Hertz shot itself in the foot or is it a pioneer? Show notes: - Hyundai Ioniq 6 N: h...

07: Mazda drops buttons, Bentley copies Jaguar, and Hülkenberg says 'finally'! 15.07.2025

We discuss whether Mazda has shot itself in the foot by going touchscreen-only and delaying a hybrid option for the new CX-5. We also take a look at Bentley's new EV concept and recap Hülkenberg's inaugural podium at the British GP. Show notes: - New Mazda CX-5: https://www.mazda.com.au/mazda-news/all-new-mazda-cx-5-global-reveal/ - Bentley EXP 15 concept: https://www.bentleymedia.com/en/n...

06: Ferrari’s Italian Holiday, Mahindra’s Alphabet Soup & F1 Shake-Up 09.07.2025

We discuss the Amalfi, Ferrari’s new Roma successor, and at the other end of the market, chat about whether Mahindra’s new small SUV can really attract cost-conscious SUV buyers. Finally, we debate what’s next for Max Verstappen and preview the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Show notes: - Ferrari Amalfi: https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/auto/ferrari-amalfi - Mahindra XUV 3XO: https://www.mahindra...

05: F1 Movie review, the ugly Mercedes and Renault's Duster comeback! 04.07.2025

We review the new F1 movie, discuss the ugly new Mercedes-AMG GT XX, and predict whether the rugged new Duster can really wipe the floor for Renault in Australia. Show notes: - F1 the Movie: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F1_(film) - Mercedes Concept AMG GT XX: https://mercedes-benz-media.co.uk/releases/1636 - Renault Duster: https://www.renault.com.au/vehicles/duster/

04: Audi Q3, Leaf 3.0 & Death Row: Brands on the Brink 27.06.2025

We break down the next-gen Audi Q3 and the all-new Nissan Leaf, and then get spicy-what car brands might disappear or quit Australia soon? Buckle up for some bold predictions. Show notes: - Audi Q3: https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/press-releases/new-benchmark-in-the-compact-class-the-audi-q3-16692 - Nissan Leaf: https://global.nissannews.com/en/releases/all-new-3rd-generation-nissan-leaf

03: Chinese Car Charge, BMW's Bold Future & EV vs PHEV Showdown! 27.06.2025

The Chinese cars you secretly want, first impressions of BMW's Neue Klasse iX3, and a heated BEV vs. plug-in hybrid debate. Which side are you on? Show notes - Xiaomi SU7: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/361917/new-xiaomi-su7-arrives-smartphone-maker-takes-porsche-taycan-first-car - BYD Yangwang U9: https://www.carsauce.com/car-news/chinese-supercar-in-australia-electric-yangwang-u9-spotted...

02: Tesla's Tough Year, Car Reviews Exposed & Spanish GP Drama 27.06.2025

Tesla's stumbles in Australia, the shady truth about car reviews, and all the action (and controversy) from the Spanish Grand Prix. Show notes: - Tesla sales: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/is-teslas-sales-slump-in-australia-over - CarExpert's new scoring system: https://www.carexpert.com.au/opinion/our-ratings-suck-so-we-are-changing-them - Spanish GP: https://www.formula1.com/en/l...

01: Alpine's Comeback, RAV4 Evolution & F1 Fever! 27.06.2025

Why the Alpine A390 could steal hearts, what Toyota's new RAV4 means for Aussies, plus a fresh dose of F1 gossip and grand predictions. Show notes: -Alpine A390: https://media.alpinecars.com/alpine-a390-the-soul-of-alpine-in-a-sport-fastback/?lang=eng -Toyota RAV4: https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/42758168.html

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