PODCAST · leisure
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 automotive industry.
Episodes
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68: Tesla's flying vapourware, an icon reborn from Citroën and Porsche's new non-EV supercar
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Tesla's latest iteration of the Roadster - their vapourware supercar. Can this one really be put on the road? We also cover Citroën's new interpretation of their iconic 2CV, reimagined for affordable EV motoring, and then take a…
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67: Jaguar serves us humble pie, new EVs from Saudi (!) and the first UK Autotrader challenge
We have criticised Jaguar a lot for their controversial (to say the least) rebranding. In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we gladly eat humble pie following the reveal of the all new Type 01. We also cover an entirely new car brand, Ceer, from Saudi Arabia, and do the first ever...
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66: Bentley's first BEV, Xpeng goes all out and MG reveals the most capable electric ute yet
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss whether Bentley's new Torcal is a Porsche in fancy clothing, or really something special befitting the Bentley brand. We also cover a very, very attractively priced new SUV from Xpeng that comes in both battery-electric (BEV) and...
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65: A brand new EV for under $20k (!), VW's electric GTI and Volvo's impressive hybrids
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, competition is really heating up in the EV space as the Chinese OEMs undercut each other on price. The latest strike? BYD reducing the price of its Atto 1 to $19,990 drive away, which apart from recalling a sticker price from about 20 years ago…
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64: An incredible Scottish adventure, and Mitsubishi & Audi bring back their icons
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Vivek's epic Scottish road trip. We also cover off on Audi unveiling the production version of its super-efficient A2 compact EV. In news that will perhaps interest our listeners even more, we discuss Mitsubishi finally revealing an...
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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...
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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...
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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:...
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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:...
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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...
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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…
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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,...
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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53: Audi's authentic supercar, MG takes on Tesla and Apple CarPlay updates
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...
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52: Love and Luce
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…
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51: Alpina becomes peak BMW, Australian EX60 pricing and Citroën goes back to basics
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.…
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50: Subaru charts a new course, VW brings GTI to an EV, and does the Prelude hit the sweet spot?
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...
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49: Firefly flutters to Oz, a new big Lexus and a good value Merc?
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…
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48: Special guest Mike Costello joins the show! We discuss where the Australian new car market is headed
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…
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47: VW returns to form, Suzuki loses its mind and our picks for a sub-$30k EV
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss VW finally returning to good design, inside and out, with the new ID. Polo small EV hatch. We also speculate on whether Suzuki has gone crazy with the pricing of the new e-Vitara small electric SUV. Finally, we discuss what our picks for...
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46: Mercedes and BMW keep up the fight, and BYD launches a convertible
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Mercedes' new C-Class Electric, and BMW's latest application of its Neue Klasse philosophy with the updated flagship 7 Series. Given the lack of success that MG has had with its Cyberster, we also speculate on whether the Denza (BYD's...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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35: Genesis starts anew, Stellantis loses lots of money, and Jaguar stays EV only
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…
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34: Tesla ditches "S3XY", even more screens for Mercedes, and proper luxury cars under $50k
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…
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33: Australia Day special, Volvo's class-leading EX60 and the ultimate Bugatti Veyron
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…
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32: Waymo leads the way, BMW's mighty new M and Kia gets weird
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…
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31: 2025 sales, and two new electric SUV twins from Hyundai and Mazda
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…
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30: Tesla declines again, buying a cop car and new cars under $25k
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…
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29: Kia's Tasman stalls, Suzuki's new deathtrap and end of year review
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…
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28: EU dumps ICE ban, plug-in hybrid for under $35k and a hot hatch challenge
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,...
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27: Toyota's supercar duo, Kia's new small SUV and MG goes after the Toyota Camry
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...
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26: Jaguar leaps into turmoil, better safety ratings and the crazy Corolla
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…
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25: The genesis of a new Genesis? Plus, Hyundai overtakes VW and a new Cayenne
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...
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24: HiLux makeover, a new Renault EV for Australia and Lightning fails to strike
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...
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23: Toyota brings sexy back while Mazda develops a CO2 nappy
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…
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22: Toyota and Honda go mini, but we go big on EV range
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)…
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21: Build Your Dreams (BYD) for less, Mazda finally gets a proper EV, and Carsales SUV challenge
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...
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20: When to sell your car, Mercedes goes into rewind and Toyota hits fast forward
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.…
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19: ASX eats a croissant and a scandalous Toyota-Mazda wedding
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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Vivek Shah and Sanbib Ahmed
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Hook Turn Podcast have?
The Hook Turn Podcast currently has 67 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Hook Turn Podcast about?
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.
How often does The Hook Turn Podcast release new episodes?
The Hook Turn Podcast has 67 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Hook Turn Podcast?
You can listen to The Hook Turn Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Hook Turn Podcast?
The Hook Turn Podcast is created and hosted by Vivek Shah and Sanbib Ahmed.
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