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

  1. 2d ago

    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 has captured our co-host Sanbib's affections. Show notes: - Ferrari Luce: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/ferrari-luce-revealed-first-electric-ferrari-takes-bold-design-approach - BYD Sealion 7: https://www.chasingcars.com.au/reviews/midsize-suvs/byd-sealion-7-premium-rwd-2026-review/

    1h 13m

  2. May 25

    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. Show notes: -BMW Vision Alpina: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/vision-bmw-alpina-concept-revealed-with-v8-engine-four-seats -Volvo EX60: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2027-volvo-ex60-price-and-specs-swedish-built-electric-suv-arrives-with-google-gemini-ai-tech/ -Citroën 2CV: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/official-citroen-confirms-2cv-name-and-styling-£15k-city-car

    39 min

  3. May 19

    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 whether Subaru's new Uncharted EV is actually good value for money, and Australian pricing for the sporty new Honda Prelude. Does it hit the sweet spot between its cheaper Japanese rivals and more powerful offerings from Nissan and BMW? Show notes - VW ID. Polo GTI: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2027-volkswagen-id-polo-gti-revealed-as-electric-hot-hatch/ - Subaru Uncharted: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-subaru-uncharted-price-and-specs-electric-small-suv-detailed-for-australia/ - Honda Prelude: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-honda-prelude-price-and-specs-sports-coupe-reborn-as-hybrid-after-25-years/

    30 min

  4. May 13

    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 make a dent in small EV sales in the Australian market. Show notes: - Mercedes-Benz CLA: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-mercedes-benz-cla-price-and-specs-hybrid-and-electric-sedan-cheaper-than-before/ - Lexus TZ: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2027-lexus-tz-electric-suv-revealed-under-consideration-for-australia-as-volvo-ex90-rival/ - Nio Firefly: https://www.drive.com.au/news/firefly-electric-car-due-in-australia-in-2026-as-launch-details-firm/

    25 min

  5. May 6

    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 very special guest and market expert Mike Costello. We chat about who will survive, and who will thrive, in the Hunger Games of the Australian new car market. We also discuss whether you'll still be buying your car from a dealership in the future, and the cars that we're most excited to see on the road this year. Show notes: - Mike Costello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-costello-cox-automotive/ *For context, the US has approximately 40 brands in a vastly larger market of more than 16 million new vehicles sold annually. The UK has approximately 40 brands in a market of 2 million new vehicles sold annually.

    53 min

  6. May 3

    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 an EV would be if we had a budget of $30k. Show notes: - VW ID. Polo: https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/much-more-than-a-city-car-world-premiere-of-the-all-new-electric-id-polo-20356 - Suzuki e-Vitara: https://zecar.com/reviews/suzuki-e-vitara-australia-price-specs-2026

    33 min

  7. Apr 26

    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 premium brand) 7 convertible will have any more success. Show notes: - Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/c-class/364229/new-mercedes-c-class-electric-revealed-exec-ev-gets-472-mile-range-and - BMW 7 Series: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2027-bmw-7-series-revealed-with-heavy-i3-influence-due-in-australia-this-year/ - BYD Denza 7 convertible: https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/denza-z-revealed-at-beijing-electric-gt-targets-porsche-911-territory/

    29 min

  8. Apr 21

    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 looks like it's had a side impact in the new Nissan Juke. Show notes: - Melbourne Motor Show: https://melbournemotorshow.au - VW ID. 3 Neo: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2027-volkswagen-id-3-neo-updated-ev-is-a-true-vw-with-actual-buttons-and-switches - Nissan Juke: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/new-british-built-nissan-juke-unveiled-radically-styled-ev

    42 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Vivek Shah and Sanbib Ahmed
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Vivek Shah and Sanbib Ahmed
  • Show Website
    The Hook Turn Podcast