Show Notes
Short Summary
David Brown and Paul Murrell explore Australia's changing car market, where electric vehicles and Chinese brands are reshaping buying decisions.
They discuss sales trends, tempting deals and how today's equipment compares with the once-familiar $19,990 Nissan Pulsar.
Mitsubishi's early i-MiEV provides perspective on electric motoring's progress, while small EVs raise bigger questions about local mobility.
There is also a follow-up on connected-car cybersecurity, before a Southern Highlands outing and a road test of Mazda's electric 6e.
Fuller Summary Sales shifts and steady growth EV demand and Chinese brands reshape the market. David separates steady growth from monthly fluctuations, considering supply, model launches and buyers' changing priorities. Price competition and buying value Finance offers and sharper EV prices challenge established brands. A look back at the Nissan Pulsar puts today's prices, equipment and expectations into perspective. Mitsubishi's electric evolution Mitsubishi's announced electric SUV prompts memories of the i-MiEV: an early city EV whose limited range, price and charging challenges illustrate how far the technology has moved. Small vehicles, bigger possibilities A questionable online scooter listing sparks a serious discussion about local mobility and suburb design. The Geely EX2 highlights small EVs competing beyond the electric category. Connected cars and cybersecurity BYD's response to Four Corners opens a wider discussion about software access, remote updates and recalls. Fixing one vulnerability raises broader questions for every connected-car brand. The right car in the right setting David takes the Mazda 6e to a Southern Highlands vineyard festival, exploring how a car's surroundings can bring out its design, character and appeal. Mazda 6e road test Elegant styling and comfortable front seats meet rear-seat compromises and intrusive lane assistance. A Sydney-Bowral trip shows how elevation affects energy use. Program Credits Presented by David Brown with Paul Murrell. Thanks to Evan Jones. Overdrive is broadcast across Australia on the Community Radio Network. Find more under Cars Transport Culture.
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Peter Brock’s influence beyond Bathurst leads an episode spanning motoring history, changing global car strategies and new-market competition. David Brown and Paul Murrell examine the revived Mitsubishi Pajero, Volkswagen’s uncertain plans for SEAT, and China’s rapid transport development. A Chatswood street parade contrasts the classic Honda NSX with modern electric motoring, before the GAC M Zoom faces a detailed road test covering design, performance, fuel economy, technology, value and the challenges of a developing dealer network. Episode Breakdown • Peter Brock’s wider legacy – 00:01:05 • Mitsubishi Pajero returns – 00:07:38 • Global car industry shifts – 00:14:04 • SEAT, Cupra and Volkswagen – 00:21:40 • NSX, EVs and Chatswood – 00:26:32 • China’s transport transformation – 00:31:43 • GAC M Zoom road test – 00:33:49 Peter Brock’s wider legacy Twenty years after his death, Brock is remembered for Bathurst success, rallying skill and road-safety advocacy, including his famous 05 identity and influence beyond motorsport. Mitsubishi Pajero returns The Pajero name returns with heritage-inspired design, diesel power and serious off-road hardware. Its Dakar history, unusual name and classic instruments also come under discussion. Global car industry shifts Manufacturers are shifting from chasing volume towards profitability, regional production and flexibility, while EVs, hybrids, tariffs and changing markets reshape investment. SEAT, Cupra and Volkswagen SEAT faces an uncertain future as Volkswagen favours Cupra. The discussion explores overlapping brands, rising costs and how VW moved away from its original “people’s car” role. NSX, EVs and Chatswood A Chatswood street parade pairs a classic Honda NSX with an EV, highlighting changing motoring culture, supercar history and the practical contrast between manual and electric driving. China’s transport transformation A comparison of Chinese steam-era railways with modern high-speed trains illustrates the extraordinary pace of transport development and industrial change over recent decades. GAC M Zoom road test The affordable small SUV impresses with equipment, cabin presentation and highway economy, but its dual-clutch behaviour, driver warnings and limited dealer network raise concerns.