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.

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

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/

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

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