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

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss why the EU has broken its commitment to ban tailpipe emissions from new vehicles entirely by 2035, and what this could mean for consumers. We also talk about BYD bringing some (very) cheap dreams to market with the new Sealion 5, Australia's cheapest new PHEV. Finally, we undertake another iteration of the Carsales challenge - this time, hot hatches under $20k.

Show notes:

- EU drops 100% tailpipe emissions reduction target: https://www.spglobal.com/automotive-insights/en/blogs/2025/12/europe-shifts-into-reverse-on-eu-2035-ice-ban

- BYD Sealion 5: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-byd-sealion-5-price-and-specs-australias-cheapest-plug-in-hybrid-due-early-next-year/

Not content with the original Lexus LFA, in this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Toyota's attempt to again prove that it has supercar chops with the new GR GT and (electric) LFA concept. We also discuss Sanbib's favourite car, the new Kia Seltos. Finally, we conclude with news that MG, perhaps the most established Chinese brand in Australia, has decided to take the Camry head-on with the launch of the new MG 7.

Show notes:

- Toyota GR GT: https://toyotagazooracing.com/gr/grgt/wp/

- Lexus LFA concept: https://www.lexus.com.au/news/2025/12/05/lexus-unveils-lfa-concept-bev-sports-car

- MG 7: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-mg-7-price-and-specs-toyota-camry-rival-brings-turbo-power/

In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss the latest plot arc in the Jaguar Land Rover drama. This time, the shocking departure of Gerry McGovern, JLR's ostensibly autocratic Chief Creative Officer, and responsible for hits like the new Defender, and (what we think) will be misses such as the Type 00 concept. We also discuss new updates to Australian vehicle safety ratings, and end with our thoughts on whether Toyota is literally just dreaming with the crazy new Corolla concept.

Show notes:

- Gerry McGovern fired: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/jlr-axes-design-boss-gerry-mcgovern

- 2026 ANCAP safety ratings: https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.ancap.com.au/app/public/assets/55242003ce81cea982bcf523ce917f1763ea1ad6/original.pdf?1764115390

- Radical new Toyota Corolla concept: https://www.carscoops.com/2025/10/toyota-shows-the-future-of-the-corolla/

In this week's episode of the Hook Turn podcast, we discuss a one-two punch from Korea. Not only has Genesis launched a new performance sub-brand to take on BMW M, Audi RS and Mercedes AMG head-on, but the broader Hyundai Group reveals that it's now more profitable than VW. Speaking of the VW group, we also discuss Porsche's new Cayenne Electric and what it might mean for the luxury SUV market.

Show notes:

-Genesis Magma GT concept: https://www.drive.com.au/news/genesis-magma-gt-concept-previews-a-production-ready-v8-mid-engined-supercar/

-Hyundai overtakes VW in profitability: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/hyundai-has-overtaken-volkswagen-to-become-2-globally-in-profit-says-ceo

-Porsche Cayenne Electric: https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/2025/products/porsche-cayenne-electric-technological-milestone-41128.html

The HiLux is a longstanding success story for Toyota in Australia, but has recently been eclipsed by the Ford Ranger. In this week's episode of the Hook Turn podcast, we discuss whether a makeover finally means that the HiLux can live up to its 'High Luxury' nameplate.

Renault has been on fire recently with a series of stylish, award-winning EVs, including the new Renault 4 and 5. While these are still forbidden fruit (for now), we discuss whether the launch of the new Scenic EV can help with an uptick in sales for the storied French brand.

Finally, we conclude with some news that Ford has ostensibly run out of aluminium to build the F-150 Lightning EV. But is that really the case?

In this week's episode of the Hook Turn podcast, we discuss Toyota hinting at the return of the (shock horror) sexy new Prius in Australia. Meanwhile, Mazda claims it has developed a carbon capture device for its cars that can help recycle tailpipe emissions. Finally, we do another iteration of the Carsales challenge. This time, heavy-duty off-roaders under $20k.

Show notes:

- Toyota Prius: https://www.drive.com.au/news/toyota-prius-back-under-study-for-australia-in-surprise-return/

- Mazda carbon capture: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/mazda-testing-carbon-capture-exhaust-tech-that-stores-co2-in-a-tank

In this week's episode of the Hook Turn podcast, we discuss Toyota's retro-tastic, baby LandCruiser FJ, and whether it can successfully take on rivals such as the Suzuki Jimny. We then talk about Honda, and question their product planning nous in importing the tiny new Super-One EV but (still) not selling the funky new hybrid Honda Jazz in Australia. Finally, we move on to what you need to consider when figuring out how far your EV can really drive.

Show notes:

- LandCruiser FJ: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-toyota-landcruiser-fj-revealed-but-australia-to-miss-out-on-smaller-4wd/

- Honda Super-One: https://www.honda.com.au/news/2025/honda-super-one