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 cars. We look at the latest new models and try predicting what’s next in the crazy world of today's a... more

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FAQs about The Hook Turn Podcast:

How many episodes does The Hook Turn Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 63 episodes available.

The Hook Turn Podcast episodes:

August 23, 2026 63: GAC puts foot in mouth, Genesis takes on Rolls-Royce and is the McLaren F1 back?
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss a critical safety omission from new Chinese brand GAC. We also cover the new Genesis GV90, the Korean luxury brand's attempt to compete with Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Finally, we wonder whether the Gordon Murray Automotive S1 is a real spiritual successor to the legendary McLaren F1.
Show notes
- Genesis GV90: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/genesis-gv90-revealed-as-electric-flagship-with-rolls-royce-style-doors
- GMA S1: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/gordon-murray-s1-revealed-as-the-ultimate-mclaren-f1-homage
- GAC Emzoom: https://www.drive.com.au/news/gac-backflips-on-removal-of-basic-safety-tech-from-new-emzoom-suv-amid-criticism-with-a-catch/
...more
44min
August 13, 2026 62: Peugeot on deathwatch, Ford bucks up and does Jaguar break the Internet... again?
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Ford finally brining its iconic Bronco SUV to Australia... but perhaps not the version we want. We also discuss whether Peugeot is about to suffer the same fate as sibling brand Citroën as distributor Inchcape gives up on its French portfolio. Finally has Jaguar broken the Internet again with the interior reveal of its upcoming Type 01?
Show notes:
- Ford Bronco New Energy: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/ford-bronco-new-energy-confirmed-for-australia
- Peugeot slashes prices: https://www.drive.com.au/news/peugeot-prices-slashed-by-up-to-30000-as-importer-prepares-to-dump-it/
- Jaguar Type 01: https://www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/jaguar-type-01-heres-your-first-look-inside-worlds-most-infamous-ev

...more
45min
August 07, 2026 61: New car sales - how's 2026 going so far? Plus, the BYD juggernaut continues and we go Double Dutch
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss how the Australian new car market is doing so far in 2026. We also cover off on BYD's ongoing expansion, and touch on a very, very distinctive Dutch car brand.
Show notes:
- Australian new car sales: https://www.drive.com.au/news/australian-new-car-sales-in-july-2026-toyota-rav4-back-on-top-as-evs-surge/
- BYD Atto 3 Evo: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/byd-atto-3-evo-confirmed-for-australia
- Donkervoort P24 RS: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/dutch-sports-car-maker-donkervoort-taking-australian-orders-for-780kg-450kw-p24-rs
...more
45min
July 31, 2026 60: Audi goes huge, Mercedes goes small and an expensive Carsales challenge
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss the latest SUVs from Audi and Mercedes - competing at opposite ends of the spectrum. We also go in a new direction with the Carsales challenge - tune in to find out more!
Show notes:
- Audi Q9: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2027-audi-q9-sq9-revealed-as-new-flagship-suv-australia-likely/
- Mercedes-Benz GLA: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2027-mercedes-benz-gla-new-small-suv-revealed-with-electric-and-mild-hybrid-power

...more
36min
July 26, 2026 59: Range Rover sticks to the road, Chery takes stock, VW renaissance continues
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Range Rover coming up with a model that is... not really suitable for going off-road. We also discuss Chery's attempt to take on the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and BYD Shark 6 at their own game, with the all-new Stockman diesel plug-in hybrid ute. Finally, we cover VW's ongoing renaissance with the new ID. Cross - the revival of physical buttons continues!
Show notes:
- Range Rover GT: https://www.goauto.com.au/future-models/range-rover/gt/all-electric-gt-a-new-direction-for-range-rover/2026-07-23/99913.html
- Chery Stockman: https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/chery-stockman-performance-range-features-revealed-new-diesel-plug-in-hybrid-ute
- VW ID. Cross: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2027-volkswagen-id-cross-city-ev-revealed-under-study-for-australia/
...more
36min
July 16, 2026 58: $30k EV showdown, the French strike back and Merc goes big on performance
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Geely's new EX2 SUV. Does Volvo's corporate owner have the chops to take on rivals from BYD and MG?
We also discuss another performance EV from Mercedes... that's still ugly in our eyes. Finally, we comment on whether a new Subaru Outback rival from Dacia/Renault could find some success in the Australian market.
Show notes:
- Geely EX2: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2026-geely-ex2-chinas-best-selling-ev-priced-for-australia
- Dacia Striker: https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/dacia-striker-revealed-hybrid-wagon-rival-subaru-outback-skoda-octavia
- Mercedes-AMG CLA 45: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2027-mercedes-amg-cla45-revealed-as-electric-performance-car/
...more
47min
July 09, 2026 57: Can the B05 leap past its rivals? Plus, a new era for Silver Taxis and Xpeng reborn?
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/
...more
43min
July 03, 2026 56: A blank Slate, Hyundai gets inspired by Blade Runner, and does X mark the spot?
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

...more
50min
June 24, 2026 55: Skoda Peaqs our interest, Toyota quality concerns confirmed and a $10k Carsales challenge
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/
...more
53min
June 18, 2026 54: M3 goes electric, Audi Q7 and a sexy Genesis
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
...more
33min

FAQs about The Hook Turn Podcast:

How many episodes does The Hook Turn Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 63 episodes available.