In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss whether Leapmotor's new B05 EV hatch has enough to vault it past rivals from MG and BYD in the affordable EV segment. We also talk about whether Lexus can keep its hold on the premium rideshare market with the launch of the new ES sedan, now also available as a hybrid and an EV.

Finally, from withheld customer rebates to distributor issues, Xpeng has been beset with ongoing problems since its Australian launch in 2024. Is the refreshed G6 enough to overlook concerns with the brand itself?

Show notes:

- Leapmotor B05: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2026-leapmotor-b05-price-and-specs

- Lexus ES: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-lexus-es-price-and-specs-up-to-9500-dearer-for-hybrid-and-ev-sedan/

- New Xpeng G6: https://www.chasingcars.com.au/news/new-car-prices/wild-charging-speeds-for-new-xpeng-g6-2026-tesla-model-y-and-byd-sealion-7-rival-priced-for-australia/

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Hyundai's futuristic new i30 sedan (also known as the Elantra or Avante). We also cover BMW's impressive new X5 with a whopping 140 kWh (!) battery, and examine whether Slate's innovative modular truck concept is enough to bring it success in the US market.

Show notes:

- Hyundai i30 sedan: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2027-hyundai-i30-sedan-new-generation-small-sedan-gets-fresh-tech-muscular-styling

-BMW X5: https://www.chasingcars.com.au/news/future-cars/new-bmw-x5-locked-in-for-australia-with-diesel-petrol-phev-and-ix5-electric-power-on-offer/

-Slate truck: https://www.slate.auto/en

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss the launch of Skoda's all new flagship EV SUV, the Peaq, and whether it has the chops to take on rivals from the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, to the Volvo EX90. We also discuss Toyota and Nissan warning Japanese customers that the imported Tundra and Murano may not be up to scratch with a range of minor defects. Finally, we have another iteration of the Carsales challenge. This time, family SUVs under $10k.

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Show notes:

-Skoda Peaq: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2027-skoda-peaq-electric-family-suv-revealed-as-the-peak-of-czech-brands-lineup

-Toyota and Nissan quality concerns: https://www.motor1.com/news/799581/toyota-nissan-us-import-models-poor-quality/

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse, and what this might mean for the next M3. We also cover the inoffensive new Audi Q7, the brand's large family SUV, and the sexy Genesis Magma GT - with what appears to be an absolutely gorgeous interior.

Show notes:

- BMW M Concept Neue Klasse: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2027-bmw-m3-ev-breaks-cover-as-near-production-concept/

- Audi Q7: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/all-new-2027-audi-q7-targets-class-leading-premium-practicality

- Genesis Magma GT: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/genesis-reveals-more-of-its-v8-powered-magma-gt-supercar

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Audi's new supercar which ushers in an entirely new bauhaus design philosophy in a production car for the first time.

We also discuss the value-packed MG S6 EV, its direct rival to the BYD Sealion 7 and Tesla Model Y, amongst many other entrants in the midsize electric SUV segment.

Finally, hot off the press from Apple's annual WWDC, we cover the latest updates to Apple CarPlay in iOS 27.

Show notes:

- Audi Nuvolari: https://www.audiusa.com/en/models/nuvolari/intro/

- MG S6 EV: https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/2026-mg-s6-ev-review-australian-first-drive/

- Apple CarPlay in iOS 27: https://9to5mac.com/2026/06/09/heres-everything-new-for-carplay-in-ios-27/

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss two cars that have captured our attention.

Firstly, the Ferrari Luce, the storied brand's first EV, whose controversial design has captured the world's attention. And secondly, on the other end of the spectrum, the BYD Sealion 7, which has captured our co-host Sanbib's affections.

Show notes:

- Ferrari Luce: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/ferrari-luce-revealed-first-electric-ferrari-takes-bold-design-approach

- BYD Sealion 7: https://www.chasingcars.com.au/reviews/midsize-suvs/byd-sealion-7-premium-rwd-2026-review/

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss BMW's relaunch of the Alpina brand with the stunning new Vision Alpina Coupe. We also cover Australian pricing for the gorgeous new EX60, and French stalwart Citroën going back to basics with an EV reinterpretation of its iconic 2CV.

Show notes:

-BMW Vision Alpina: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/vision-bmw-alpina-concept-revealed-with-v8-engine-four-seats

-Volvo EX60: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2027-volvo-ex60-price-and-specs-swedish-built-electric-suv-arrives-with-google-gemini-ai-tech/

-Citroën 2CV: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/official-citroen-confirms-2cv-name-and-styling-£15k-city-car

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast (our 50th episode!), we discuss VW finally bringing the storied GTI nameplate to an electric model, with the new ID. Polo GTI. Will its corner carving credentials be enough to offset its relatively modest straight-line performance?

We also discuss whether Subaru's new Uncharted EV is actually good value for money, and Australian pricing for the sporty new Honda Prelude. Does it hit the sweet spot between its cheaper Japanese rivals and more powerful offerings from Nissan and BMW?

Show notes

- VW ID. Polo GTI: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2027-volkswagen-id-polo-gti-revealed-as-electric-hot-hatch/

- Subaru Uncharted: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-subaru-uncharted-price-and-specs-electric-small-suv-detailed-for-australia/

- Honda Prelude: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-honda-prelude-price-and-specs-sports-coupe-reborn-as-hybrid-after-25-years/

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Australian pricing and specifications for the new Mercedes-Benz CLA. We also comment on Lexus' all-new large electric SUV, the TZ. Finally, we speculate on whether what many are calling the Chinese Mini, the Nio Firefly, will actually make a dent in small EV sales in the Australian market.

Show notes:

- Mercedes-Benz CLA: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-mercedes-benz-cla-price-and-specs-hybrid-and-electric-sedan-cheaper-than-before/

- Lexus TZ: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2027-lexus-tz-electric-suv-revealed-under-consideration-for-australia-as-volvo-ex90-rival/

- Nio Firefly: https://www.drive.com.au/news/firefly-electric-car-due-in-australia-in-2026-as-launch-details-firm/

To say that Australia's new car market is competitive is putting it lightly. With more than 60 brands competing in a market of approximately 1.2 million new vehicles, it is a brutal fight for customer dollars.*

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we gaze into the crystal ball with very special guest and market expert Mike Costello. We chat about who will survive, and who will thrive, in the Hunger Games of the Australian new car market. We also discuss whether you'll still be buying your car from a dealership in the future, and the cars that we're most excited to see on the road this year.

Show notes:

- Mike Costello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-costello-cox-automotive/

*For context, the US has approximately 40 brands in a vastly larger market of more than 16 million new vehicles sold annually. The UK has approximately 40 brands in a market of 2 million new vehicles sold annually.