The Hook Turn Podcast

By Vivek Shah and Sanbib Ahmed

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 o... more

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FAQs about The Hook Turn Podcast:

How many episodes does The Hook Turn Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 45 episodes available.

The Hook Turn Podcast episodes:

April 21, 2026 45: Melbourne Motor Show, VW enters the Matrix and Nissan goes crazy
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 Show: https://melbournemotorshow.au
- VW ID. 3 Neo: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2027-volkswagen-id-3-neo-updated-ev-is-a-true-vw-with-actual-buttons-and-switches
- Nissan Juke: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/new-british-built-nissan-juke-unveiled-radically-styled-ev
...more
42min
April 12, 2026 44: Mazda fights back, Subaru seeks new trails and BYD continues its price war
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 cars sales chart in March 2026. We speculate on whether the highly aggressive pricing of the new Seal 6 plug-in hybrid is enough to keep the momentum.
Show notes:
- Mazda CX-6e: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-mazda-cx-6e-price-and-specs-electric-suv-undercuts-model-y-sealion-7-bz4x/
- Subaru Trailseeker: https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/subaru-trailseeker-electric-off-road-wagon-priced-for-australia
- BYD Seal 6: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2026-byd-seal-6-price-and-specs

...more
38min
April 05, 2026 43: Land Rover's Chinese comeback, Lucid's UK dreams and Hyundai takes on Jeep
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/
...more
30min
April 01, 2026 42: Will Xpeng bite the dust? Plus, Toyota brings back an icon and our fave forbidden fruit
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/
...more
32min
March 25, 2026 41: It's happening! BMW iX3 pricing and i3 revealed, an iconic Audi returns and eyes on Renault
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
...more
34min
March 15, 2026 40: VW chooses Neo, Honda goes to zero and a fresh pair of cheap EVs
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
...more
29min
March 08, 2026 39: F1 recap (in brief), Cadillac expands, a new VW Golf and World Car of the Year
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
...more
35min
March 01, 2026 38: Mercedes and Lamborghini backtrack from BEVs, MG gets squeezed in the 'middle ground' of the market
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

...more
44min
February 22, 2026 37: Honda's EV strategy refresh, Audi RS 5 and will Avatr heat up the market?
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/

...more
42min
February 15, 2026 36: Ferrari's Apple Car, flush doors are out and Mazda's CX-5 cost-cutting
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/
...more
43min

FAQs about The Hook Turn Podcast:

How many episodes does The Hook Turn Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 45 episodes available.