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

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/

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/