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/

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/

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

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

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/