56: A blank Slate, Hyundai gets inspired by Blade Runner, and does X mark the spot?
About this episode
Hyundai's bold new i30 sedan takes center stage as the hosts dissect its futuristic, Blade Runner-inspired "Art of Steel" design. They break down the powertrain options, including a clever new predictive hybrid system, and explore the Android Automotive-powered cabin. With rising competition from budget-friendly Chinese brands, the discussion turns to whether this striking sedan can hold its ground in the Australian market, alongside speculation about the future of the high-performance i30N variant.
In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss Hyundai's futuristic new i30 sedan (also known as the Elantra or Avante). We also cover BMW's impressive new X5 with a whopping 140 kWh (!) battery, and examine whether Slate's innovative modular truck concept is enough to bring it success in the US market.
Show notes:
- Hyundai i30 sedan: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2027-hyundai-i30-sedan-new-generation-small-sedan-gets-fresh-tech-muscular-styling
-BMW X5: https://www.chasingcars.com.au/news/future-cars/new-bmw-x5-locked-in-for-australia-with-diesel-petrol-phev-and-ix5-electric-power-on-offer/
-Slate truck: https://www.slate.auto/en
Hyundai i30 Sedan
"So our first topic is going to be the all new Hyundai i30 sedan, which has been revealed in Korea under the Avanté name. So that's what they call the i30 sedan in Korea, in Australia, I think, I believe you'll be called the i30 sedan or will be called the Elantra."
This is Hyundai's popular compact four-door sedan. It has a very sharp, modern look that makes it look like a vehicle from a science fiction movie, and it is designed to offer great fuel economy at an affordable price.
The Hyundai i30 Sedan (also known as the Elantra in North America and Avanté in South Korea) is a compact front-wheel-drive passenger car. This generation features a highly futuristic, angular exterior design philosophy and offers both naturally aspirated and hybrid powertrain options.
Hyundai Elantra
"...'ll be called the i30 sedan or will be called the Elantra. I think it's the i30 sedan, but that's also to T..."
The Elantra is a small, affordable sedan made by Hyundai. It is popular for being reliable, fuel-efficient, and packed with modern features for its price.
The Hyundai Elantra (sold in some markets as the i30 Sedan) is a compact car known for its sharp, geometric styling, strong value proposition, and efficient powertrains. It is a staple of the compact segment, offering a comfortable ride and generous standard technology.
CVT transmission
"So they have the standard to two liter naturally aspirated four cylinder engine, which is producing 110 kilowatts of power, mated to a CVT transmission."
Unlike a standard automatic transmission that shifts through gears (like 1st, 2nd, 3rd), a CVT doesn't have gears at all. It uses a clever belt system to smoothly adjust your speed, which helps save gas but can make the engine sound a bit like a loud, continuous hum when you accelerate quickly.
A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) uses a belt and pulley system instead of fixed gears to provide an infinite number of gear ratios. This allows the engine to operate at its most efficient RPM for any driving situation, though some drivers dislike the 'droning' engine sound it can produce.
regenerative braking
"And they made some improvements to this to this powertrain. So it has better regenerative braking."
When you take your foot off the gas or step on the brakes in a hybrid or electric car, the car uses its electric motor to slow you down. This action acts like a generator, capturing the energy that would normally be wasted as heat and using it to recharge the car's battery.
Regenerative braking is an energy recovery mechanism that slows a hybrid or electric vehicle down by converting its kinetic energy into electrical energy. This process runs the electric motor in reverse, acting as a generator to send electricity back into the high-voltage battery pack.
EX60
"... a leaf almost out of like BMW and Volvo with the EX60 and the Anoya cluster iX3 to a small extent, beca..."
The EX60 is a future, mid-sized electric SUV from Volvo. It is designed to be the electric equivalent of their highly popular family SUV, the XC60.
The Volvo EX60 is an upcoming mid-size fully electric SUV designed to eventually succeed the best-selling XC60. Built on Volvo's next-generation EV architecture, it aims to combine the brand's signature safety and Scandinavian design with advanced battery range and structural efficiency.
iX3 (G08)
"...BMW and Volvo with the EX60 and the Anoya cluster iX3 to a small extent, because they don't have this i..."
The iX3 is an electric version of BMW's popular X3 SUV. It looks and feels almost exactly like a normal gas-powered BMW, but runs entirely on electricity.
The BMW iX3 (G08) is an all-electric version of the popular X3 luxury crossover. Unlike bespoke EVs, it utilizes BMW's flexible CLAR platform, retaining the traditional looks and practicality of the standard X3 while utilizing a rear-mounted electric motor.
I30N
"I think also well, the more interesting thing is that the Hyundai i30N is still a pretty good seller. So I'll be very curious to see that will they do a full end version of this, we kind of know that the end line will also only get an end line."
This is the extra-fast, sporty version of Hyundai's small car. It features a powerful turbocharged engine, upgraded brakes, stiff suspension, and a loud exhaust, making it a blast to drive on twisty roads or race tracks.
The Hyundai i30 N is the high-performance variant of the i30 lineup, developed by Hyundai's dedicated 'N' performance division. It is famous for its turbocharged inline-four engine, aggressive exhaust pop-and-bang soundtrack, and track-ready suspension tuning designed to rival established hot hatches.
Volkswagen Golf Gti
"...th much more expensive cars are getting into full golf GTI territory there. And the whole point of the i30N ..."
The Golf is a famous, small hatchback car made by Volkswagen. It is known for being easy to drive, practical, and built with high-quality materials.
The Volkswagen Golf is an iconic compact hatchback that has served as a global benchmark for practical, well-engineered daily transportation for five decades. It is celebrated for its refined ride, space-efficient design, and high-performance variants like the GTI and Golf R.
BMW X5
"Okay, look, we might move on to our next topic, which is the new BMW X5 and the iX5. So there's huge news from BMW. So the X5, as many of our listeners will know, is sort of BMW's essentially full size SUV."
The X5 is BMW's famous mid-sized luxury family SUV. It is known for being comfortable, spacious, and surprisingly sporty to drive, and the newest version is getting a radical futuristic redesign.
The BMW X5 is a mid-size luxury SUV that pioneered the 'Sports Activity Vehicle' segment when it debuted in the late 1990s. The upcoming generation utilizes BMW's highly anticipated 'Neue Klasse' design language and architecture, offering an unprecedented variety of powertrains including combustion, electric, and hydrogen.
Audi Q7
"... So a few weeks ago, I think, Sam, we covered the Audi Q7. Is that right? I think. Right, yeah."
The Q7 is a large, luxury SUV made by Audi that comes with three rows of seats to fit up to seven people. It focuses on a smooth ride, high-tech screens, and safety.
The Audi Q7 is a premium three-row luxury SUV that shares its platform with stablemates like the Porsche Cayenne and Bentley Bentayga. It is highly praised for its quiet cabin, sophisticated Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and advanced driver assistance technology.
Audi SQ5
"...tes of tune. And then in the US, they revealed an SQ5, which had a petrol powertrain. And the Q7 is sor..."
The SQ5 is a faster, sportier version of Audi's popular Q5 SUV. It looks aggressive and goes much faster when you step on the gas pedal.
The Audi SQ5 is the high-performance variant of the popular Q5 compact luxury crossover. It swaps the standard four-cylinder engine for a turbocharged V6, offering sport-tuned suspension, aggressive styling, and quicker acceleration while retaining daily utility.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
"...ect competitor to the X5, along with the Mercedes GLE and the Volvo XC90 and EX90. But unlike the Audi ..."
The GLE is a mid-sized luxury SUV made by Mercedes-Benz. It is designed to offer a very smooth, quiet ride with a high-end interior and the latest digital screens.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE (formerly the M-Class) is a mid-size luxury SUV that blends premium comfort, advanced technology, and strong off-road heritage. It is a core product for Mercedes-Benz, competing directly in the highly lucrative executive SUV segment.
Volvo XC90
"...the X5, along with the Mercedes GLE and the Volvo XC90 and EX90. But unlike the Audi and also unlike the..."
The XC90 is a premium, mid-to-large-sized SUV made by Volvo. It is highly popular with families because of its comfortable seats, elegant styling, and excellent crash-test safety ratings.
The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size luxury SUV that redefined the Volvo brand with its second generation, introducing elegant Scandinavian design and a focus on four-cylinder and plug-in hybrid powertrains. It is globally recognized for its industry-leading safety ratings and family-friendly packaging.
Volvo EX90
"...long with the Mercedes GLE and the Volvo XC90 and EX90. But unlike the Audi and also unlike these other ..."
The EX90 is a large, fully electric family SUV made by Volvo. It is designed to be extremely safe, runs entirely on battery power, and has a very clean, modern interior.
The Volvo EX90 is an all-electric three-row luxury SUV serving as the brand's flagship electric vehicle. It represents Volvo's transition to a fully electric future, showcasing next-generation safety tech, including standard roof-mounted LiDAR, and a minimalist Scandinavian interior.
BMW iX5
"Then you also have the full battery electric IX5 and also a hydrogen fuel cell X5, which I find to be really interesting. And that's coming out of BMW's collaboration with Toyota."
This is the all-electric version of BMW's popular X5 SUV. It has a massive battery pack that allows it to travel incredibly long distances on a single charge, and it can charge up extremely quickly.
The BMW iX5 is the fully electric counterpart to the redesigned X5 SUV, built on BMW's next-generation Neue Klasse platform. It features an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture, a massive 141 kWh battery pack, and is also being developed with a hydrogen fuel-cell variant in partnership with Toyota.
hydrogen fuel cell
"Then you also have the full battery electric IX5 and also a hydrogen fuel cell X5, which I find to be really interesting. And that's coming out of BMW's collaboration with Toyota."
Instead of plugging into a wall to charge a battery, a hydrogen fuel cell car gets filled up with hydrogen gas at a pump, similar to a gas station. The car mixes this hydrogen with air to generate its own electricity on the go, and the only thing that comes out of the exhaust pipe is water.
A hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) uses compressed hydrogen gas as its fuel source, combining it with oxygen from the air inside a fuel cell stack to generate electricity. This electricity powers an electric motor to drive the wheels, with the only tailpipe emission being pure water vapor.
Neue Klasse
"They're all using the Neuer-class design and technology that we saw on the IX3 and the I3. So I thought I'd pass to Sanvi."
This is the name for BMW's brand-new family of electric cars. It features a totally new, minimalist design style on the inside and outside, along with advanced battery technology that lets the cars charge faster and drive much further.
Neue Klasse (New Class) is BMW's next-generation modular platform and design philosophy, engineered primarily for electric vehicles but adaptable for other powertrains. It represents a radical departure in exterior styling, interior technology, and battery efficiency for the brand starting in the mid-2020s.
BMW i3
"...ign and technology that we saw on the IX3 and the I3. So I thought I'd pass to Sanvi. What are your in..."
The i3 is a small, futuristic-looking electric car made by BMW. It was built using lightweight materials and recycled fabrics to be as eco-friendly as possible.
The BMW i3 was a pioneering electric hatchback featuring a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic passenger cell and an optional gasoline range-extender engine. Its futuristic design and sustainable material choices made it a landmark vehicle in early mass-market EV history.
Hummer Ev
"...ke the only thing that I can think of is like the Hummer EV, which is like sold in America only, and that is ..."
The Hummer EV SUV is a massive, fully electric version of the famous military-style Hummer. It is incredibly heavy, very fast, and can steer its rear wheels to drive sideways like a crab.
The GMC Hummer EV SUV is an ultra-powerful, heavy-duty electric vehicle that revives the famous Hummer brand under GMC. It features extreme off-road capabilities like 'CrabWalk' (diagonal steering) and massive horsepower, serving as a technological showcase for GM's Ultium battery platform.
Porsche Cayenne
"...ke it's, you know, it's way more than the Porsche Cayenne electric just for comparison. That's probably the..."
The Cayenne is a sporty, high-end SUV made by Porsche, a company famous for sports cars. It is built for people who want a fast, luxurious, and spacious vehicle.
The Porsche Cayenne is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV that famously saved Porsche from financial ruin in the early 2000s. It proved that an SUV could deliver genuine sports-car-like handling and performance without sacrificing off-road capability or daily usability. As of 2026, the lineup is expanding to include highly anticipated fully electric variants.
Suzuki X90
"...an the EX5. So yes, I'm just having a look, Bobby X90, 111 kilowatt hour battery pack. So this is signi..."
The X-90 is a small, unusual 1990s car made by Suzuki. It looks like a tiny two-door sedan but sits high off the ground like an SUV and has a roof you can take off.
The Suzuki X-90 is a quirky, two-seat compact SUV with a T-section removable roof, produced in the mid-1990s. It attempted to blend a sports coupe with a rugged 4x4 chassis, resulting in one of the most unique and polarizing automotive designs of its era.
Slate Truck
"All right, look, we might move on to our final topic, which is the new X5, but this is, this particular car is almost like a new approach to EVs, and we're going to, it's called the Slate truck. So this is a, Slate is a US startup that's been backed by Jeff Bezos of Amazon fame."
This is a unique, highly customizable electric pickup truck from an American startup company. The base model is incredibly cheap because it comes with almost nothing inside—no radio, no power windows, and no fancy screens—allowing you to buy and snap on only the parts and features you actually want.
The Slate Truck (often referred to in its base form as the 'Blank Slate') is an ultra-modular electric pickup truck developed by US startup Slate. It is designed to start at an extremely low price point by stripping out all non-essential features, allowing buyers to customize the vehicle with modular body panels, interior accessories, and tech add-ons.
Ford F150
"we call them in Australia, are huge. They're like that. I mean, this is much smaller than the Ford F 150. But the F 150 is like the biggest selling car in the US, like the most popular selling"
The F-150 is a very large pickup truck made by Ford. It is incredibly popular in North America for towing, hauling, and everyday family use.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for decades. It is a cornerstone of the American automotive market, offered in countless configurations ranging from basic work trucks to ultra-luxurious cruisers and high-performance off-roaders.
Ford Maverick
"...outh from 40 years ago. They compare it to a Ford Maverick. It's like significantly smaller than even a Ford..."
The Maverick is a smaller, budget-friendly pickup truck made by Ford. Unlike giant traditional trucks, it is easy to park, drives like a normal car, and gets great gas mileage.
The Ford Maverick is a compact, unibody pickup truck that revived a classic nameplate to slot below the Ranger. Built on a passenger car platform, it offers excellent fuel economy (especially the hybrid variant) and maneuverability, making truck utility accessible to urban buyers.
Chevrolet Chevy Chevrolet
"... a Ford Maverick is a small truck and compared to Chevy Chevrolet, it's like being it. So like, that's probably ano..."
The Chevy II is a classic, smaller car made by Chevrolet in the 1960s. It was built to be simple, affordable, and easy to maintain.
The Chevrolet Chevy II (later known as the Nova) was a compact car introduced in the 1960s to give Chevrolet a direct competitor to the Ford Falcon. It was designed as a basic, reliable, and affordable compact, though it later became a popular platform for muscle car builds.
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