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/

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

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

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

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

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/