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