The Hook Turn Podcast

Vivek Shah and Sanbib Ahmed
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  • AUTOMOTIVE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Hook Turn Podcast is your serving of banter, unabridged commentary and hot takes on all things automotive. We look at the latest new models, try predicting what’s next and throw in an added dose of the latest updates from the world of F1.

  1. 2D AGO

    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 against flush door handles. Finally, we discuss more disappointing news about the Mazda CX-5, notably that a cost-cutting drive has led to a drop in interior quality. Show notes: - Ferrari Luce: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/ferrari-luce-debut-evs-name-and-iphone-style-interior-revealed - Jony Ive's thoughts on interior design: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/touchscreens-wrong-technology-main-car-controls-says-iphone-designer - ANCAP calls for flush door handle ban: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/ancap-calls-for-australian-ban-on-door-handles-used-by-tesla-byd-and-others - Mazda CX-5 cost cutting: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-mazda-cx-5-buyers-wont-notice-cost-cutting-measures-executive/

    42 min

  2. FEB 8

    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 yet another multi-billion dollar strategic error, as the European giant backtracks from going all-in on EVs. Finally, we contrast this with Jaguar, which remains committed to an electric-only future as it aims to create its own niche between the premium Germans and ultra-luxury marques such as Bentley. Show notes: Genesis bespoke architecture: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/genesis-eyes-premium-dynamics-bespoke-platform-evs-hybrids Stellantis loses money: https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/stellantis-writes-down-billions-resets-ev-strategy-jeep-chrysler-ram Jaguar Type 00: https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/jaguar/type-00-prototype/first-drive

    37 min

  3. FEB 1

    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 back by ditching the S and X. We also discuss Mercedes continuing to infest as many screens as humanly possible in its latest S-Class, and talk about our picks for proper luxury cars under $50k with another iteration of the Carsales challenge. Show notes: - Tesla stops Model S and Model X production: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/28/tesla-ending-model-s-x-production.html - New Mercedes-Benz S-Class: https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/mercedes-benz-unveils-updated-s-class-new-tech-revised-v8

    31 min

  4. JAN 26

    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 customer. Show notes: -Volvo EX60: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-volvo-ex60-electric-suv-with-810km-range-due-in-australia-from-this-year/ -Bugatti F.K.P. Hommage: https://www.drive.com.au/news/bugatti-veyron-revived-with-one-off-fkp-hommage-tribute/ -Toyota Aurion TRD: https://redriven.com/reviews/toyota/aurion/used-toyota-aurion-trd-review/ -Holden Monaro: https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/holden-monaro-cv8-z-review/

    42 min

  5. JAN 19

    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 its mighty new electric M3. Show notes - Kia EV4 pricing & specs: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-kia-ev4-price-and-specs-tesla-model-3-byd-seal-rival-arrives-in-australia/ - Waymo enters Australia: https://thesizzle.com.au/p/waymo-australia-self-driving-cars-trial-2026 - BMW's electric M3: https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/01/13/2027-bmw-m3-electric-four-motors/

    33 min

  6. JAN 10

    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 car sales: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/big-auto-brands-are-losing-share-as-australias-new-car-market-fragments -Hyundai Elexio: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2026-hyundai-elexio-price-and-specs-aussie-tuned-chinese-ev-slots-in-under-ioniq-5 -Mazda CX-6e: https://www.carthrottle.com/news/mazda-cx-6e-specs-details-and-features

    42 min

  7. JAN 2

    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 notes: - Tesla sales decline: https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/01/tesla-sales-fell-by-9-percent-in-2025-its-second-yearly-decline/ - Redbook: Brand new cars under $25k: https://www.redbook.com.au/cars/results/?q=(And.Price.range(..25000)._.CurrentRelease.True.)&sort=MakeModel

    41 min

  8. 12/27/2025

    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 cars that impressed us the most. Show notes: - Kia Tasman sales: https://www.drive.com.au/news/kia-walks-back-ambitious-tasman-sales-goal-for-2026-which-helped-it-get-into-showrooms/ - Suzuki Fronx safety: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/official-safety-recall-for-suzuki-fronx-after-seatbelt-failure-sparks-urgent-investigation

    34 min
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About

The Hook Turn Podcast is your serving of banter, unabridged commentary and hot takes on all things automotive. We look at the latest new models, try predicting what’s next and throw in an added dose of the latest updates from the world of F1.

Information

  • Creator
    Vivek Shah and Sanbib Ahmed
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Vivek Shah and Sanbib Ahmed
  • Show Website
    The Hook Turn Podcast