October 17, 20261 hr 11 min
Paris concepts, radical car designs and the MG IM5
Paris concepts, radical car designs and the MG IM5 by David Brown
Episodes
500
Latest episode
Oct 2026
Language
EN
About the show
Overdrive: Cars, Transport and Culture. A weekly radio program featuring motoring & transport news from Australia & around the world, road tests, feature interviews & quirky stories. David Brown is a respected motoring broadcaster heard online and across Australia on commercial, public and community radio.
Listen to episodes
October 17, 202657 min
EV sales, sharper prices, Cyber security, Mazda 6e
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.
October 17, 202656 min
Safer bends, connected car and GAC M8 luxury
Episode Breakdown - Motorcycle safety markings - 00:02:58 - Driver assistance and distraction - 00:09:58 - Tuhu's proposed mycar purchase - 00:20:00 - Electric truck economics - 00:26:46 - BYD and connected car security - 00:31:25 - Everything Electric insights - 00:38:17 - GAC M8 Luxury road test - 00:45:14 Short Summary David Brown and Paul Murrell explore motorcycle safety markings, research on driver assistance and phone distraction, and Tuhu's proposed purchase of mycar. European electric truck economics prompt a discussion about freight costs and community benefits. BYD's response to Four Corners raises questions about connected vehicle security and privacy. From Everything Electric come owner feedback, the Battleship 700 and practical electric ute features. Our GAC M8 Luxury road test weighs second-row indulgence against family practicality. Full summary Motorcycle safety markings Circular road markings aim to guide riders safely through bends. David and Paul discuss cornering lines, grip in the wet and the value of engaging the motorcycle community. Driver assistance and distraction Research suggests some young drivers are more willing to use phones with driver assistance. The discussion explores risk compensation, distracting screens and frustrating alerts. Tuhu's proposed mycar purchase The proposed sale to China's Tuhu awaits regulatory approval. David and Paul consider foreign ownership, access to vehicle data and the broader implications for Australian motorists. Electric truck economics European analysis points to electric truck cost advantages in several markets. The discussion considers policy support, freight efficiency and potential benefits from quieter, cleaner transport. BYD and connected car security BYD's response to Four Corners prompts scrutiny of security assurances and Australian data storage. David and Paul discuss consistent regulation, privacy and transport planning uses of data. Everything Electric insights An Inster owner's feedback highlights everyday EV pleasures and irritations. The Battleship 700, electric utes, vehicle-to-load and hands-on demonstrations broaden the discussion. GAC M8 Luxury road test Plush captain's chairs meet bold styling and limited luggage space. David assesses hybrid performance, observed fuel use, engine noise and practicality against the Kia Carnival. Program credits Presented by David Brown with Paul Murrell. Thanks to Evan Jones. Broadcast across Australia on the Community Radio Network. Find more under Cars, Transport, Culture.
October 17, 20261 hr 3 min
Car data, EV Show, Energy Education, GAC Aion V
Episode Breakdown • Connected cars and surveillance - 00:01:28 • Sean Garrard on Forthing in Australia - 00:15:19 • Rolln mopeds and swappable batteries - 00:22:32 • Steve Lewis on Ausgrid community batteries - 00:30:54 • Adam Slinger on children's energy education - 00:32:48 • Bill Thomas on independent tyre testing - 00:38:51 • EV charging and the GAC Aion V - 00:43:35 David Brown and Paul Murrell examine privacy and cyber-security risks in connected cars before turning to innovations from Sydney's Everything Electric show. Sean Garrard explains why Forthing sees Australia as an important proving ground for Chinese brands, while Steve Lewis outlines Ausgrid's community battery concept and Adam Slinger explores learning about energy through play. The program also considers removable batteries for urban electric mopeds, the value of rigorous independent tyre testing and the frustrations of app-dependent public EV charging. Finally, David road tests the GAC Aion V electric SUV, assessing its design, comfort, technology and behaviour on a dirt-road trip.
September 18, 202657 min
EV show, Insuring Autonomous cars, and GAC Aion UT
Episode Breakdown • Everything Electric – 00:02:18 • Automated driving and insurance – 00:09:27 • Petrol prices and transport disadvantage – 00:20:39 • Recreating the Lotus Esprit – 00:26:01 • Motoring books of the year – 00:31:09 • Fuel-efficient replacement tyres – 00:41:04 • GAC Aion UT Luxury road test – 00:48:23 EV show, Insuring Autonomous cars, and GAC Aion UT Electric vehicles move beyond the showroom as Everything Electric explores charging, batteries and vehicle-to-grid technology. David Brown and Paul Murrel examine insurance for assisted driving, petrol prices and transport disadvantage, the reborn Lotus Esprit, motoring books and California’s replacement tyre efficiency rules. The program finishes with a road test of the GAC Aion UT Luxury, a compact electric hatch offering strong cabin space, extensive equipment and competitive pricing, while highlighting the compromises of touchscreen-heavy controls and assertive driver assistance. Everything Electric The Sydney event reflects a maturing EV market, with Chinese brands, plug-in hybrids, commercial vehicles, home batteries, charging and vehicle-to-grid technology broadening the discussion. Automated driving and insurance Zurich’s Tesla insurance raises questions about whether supervised automated driving reduces risk, how insurers measure that benefit, and whether vehicle technology is making crash repairs more costly. Petrol prices and transport disadvantage A Queensland study prompts discussion about whether higher fuel prices shift motorists to public transport or simply suppress trips, particularly where services are slow, indirect or unavailable. Recreating the Lotus Esprit A modern recreation of the classic Lotus Esprit combines V8 donor cars with carbon-fibre bodies and contemporary technology, raising questions about preservation, modification and manufactured nostalgia. Motoring books of the year The RAC’s Motoring Book of the Year finalists range from the Pan-American Highway and Top Gear to Ferrari, Lancia, Formula One and racing helmets, highlighting motoring history and culture. Fuel-efficient replacement tyres California’s planned tyre efficiency standards spark debate over rolling resistance versus grip, braking, noise and longevity, illustrating how environmental regulation can create unintended safety compromises. GAC Aion UT Luxury road test The compact EV impresses with space, equipment and urban manners. Its panoramic roof, heated seats and powered tailgate add value, although touchscreen controls and lane assistance require familiarity.
September 14, 202647 min
Brock’s legacy, Pajero returns, GAC M Zoom, & more
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.
September 4, 20261 hr 3 min
Road pricing, EV charging, showroom robots, HiLux
David Brown and Paul Murrell examine how road-user charging could reshape Australian transport, including congestion, fairness and where the revenue goes. They consider curbside EV charging as public infrastructure, AI-powered robots in car dealerships and Mahindra's aggressive SUV discounts. Listener feedback covers Tesla ownership, battery health, low maintenance costs and Full Self-Driving, while concerns are raised about how employers recruit engineers. The program finishes with a road test of the new Toyota HiLux, including its design, equipment and increasingly rare manual gearbox. Episode Breakdown • Road-user charging - 00:01:34 • Curbside EV charging - 00:13:23 • Robots in car showrooms - 00:19:34 • Mahindra price cuts - 00:27:02 • Tesla ownership feedback - 00:38:08 • Engineering and transport planning - 00:44:30 • Toyota HiLux road test - 00:46:38 Full summary Road-user charging Australia moves towards road-user charging. David and Paul explore congestion pricing, dynamic charges, equity, public transport and why transparency over revenue will be critical. Curbside EV charging A UNSW paper argues curbside EV charging should be treated as critical infrastructure. The discussion covers apartment dwellers, grid demand, public kerb space and private investment. Robots in car showrooms Humanoid robots and AI could answer vehicle questions and guide buyers, but privacy, sales manipulation and stereotyping remain concerns. David questions whether a simple interactive screen would work better. Mahindra price cuts Mahindra cuts up to $10,000 from the XUV700, sharpening its value proposition. The hosts consider intense SUV competition and the risks that major discounts pose to resale values and brand confidence. Tesla ownership feedback A US Model Y owner reports remarkably low maintenance costs, regular software updates and strong battery health after four years, while praising Tesla's Full Self-Driving for long-distance travel. Engineering and transport planning A Transport for NSW recruitment ad prompts discussion about employers demanding experienced staff who can perform immediately, while apparently investing too little in developing younger engineers. Toyota HiLux road test The new HiLux retains its familiar ute character while adopting a squarer nose, updated equipment and all-terrain tyres. The test also considers the manual gearbox as that transmission becomes increasingly rare.
August 28, 20261 hr 7 min
Road safety, smarter e-bikes, Genesis EV, New RAV4
Overdrive: Road safety, smarter e-bikes, EV innovation and the new Toyota RAV4 David Brown and Paul Murrell explore workplace road safety, e-bike technology and changing approaches to vehicle design. They examine the Genesis GV90 luxury EV, Ferrari's extraordinary Luce charity auction, fashion-inspired cars and safety claims that don't always match delivered vehicles. They also question Tesla's flush door handles and whether innovation can compromise basic safety. Finally, David road tests the sixth-generation Toyota RAV4, finding its proven hybrid system, comfort, restrained safety alerts and generous base-model equipment compelling, despite its higher price and road noise on coarse surfaces. Episode Breakdown • Workplace road safety - 00:01:24 • Volkswagen smart e-bike - 00:09:50 • Genesis GV90 and Ferrari Luce - 00:19:51 • Fashion and purposeful design - 00:34:10 • Vehicle safety and door handles - 00:41:39 • Toyota RAV4 road test - 00:54:13 Full Summary Workplace road safety Research highlights risks from commuting, fatigue and work calls. David and Paul argue that road safety must be an organisational responsibility supported by a strong safety culture. Volkswagen smart e-bike Volkswagen's e-bike uses radar, cameras, lighting and crash detection. The discussion weighs useful rider protection against distraction and considers the wider safety challenges created by faster e-bikes. Genesis GV90 and Ferrari Luce Genesis pushes EV luxury with its GV90, focusing on safety, technology and passenger comfort. Ferrari's first Luce sells for a remarkable charity donation, linking motoring prestige with philanthropy. Fashion and purposeful design A Jimmy Choo collaboration prompts a look at fashion-inspired cars, including the Carla Zampatti Ford Laser. Mahindra's rugged heritage shows how practicality and even awkward styling can build character. Vehicle safety and door handles Incorrectly advertised safety equipment raises questions about verification and industry workloads. Tesla's flush handles highlight why clever design must still provide simple, reliable emergency access. Toyota RAV4 road test David tests the sixth-generation base RAV4, praising its hybrid efficiency, ride comfort, useful equipment and subtle driver alerts. Tall-profile tyres cushion bumps, though coarse roads expose tyre noise. The range spans six grades, from the everyday-focused base hybrid through GXL, Edge and Cruiser to XSE and the 227 kW plug-in hybrid GR Sport. David concludes the RAV4 is costly but extremely well made, refined and backed by Toyota's long experience. Program Links and Credits Overdrive is presented by David Brown with Paul Murrell from SeniorDriver.au. Thanks to Paul Murrell and Evan Jones for their assistance. Search Cars Transport Culture for the website, podcast and social media. First aired 29 August 2026.
August 23, 20261 hr 1 min
Bigger vehicles, smarter maps, and Mazda CX-5
Bigger vehicles and pedestrian safety lead the discussion as David Brown and Paul Murrell examine visibility, weight and road design. They explore AI-powered mapping, the shrinking technology gap between prestige and mainstream cars, Ferrari’s bespoke engineering and image-driven design from Jaguar and Singer. The Mazda CX-5 road test considers whether its refined design and new technology improve a proven medium SUV. Episode Breakdown • Bigger vehicles and pedestrian safety – 00:01:18 • Smarter mapping and AI – 00:14:07 • Prestige brands under pressure – 00:25:16 • Ferrari builds a one-off – 00:33:08 • Design, image and luxury – 00:37:13 • Mazda CX-5 road test – 00:46:53 Full summary Bigger vehicles and pedestrian safety – 00:01:18 Research links larger, heavier vehicles with greater pedestrian risk. David and Paul discuss poor visibility, high bonnets, cameras, braking, vehicle loads and shared streets. Smarter mapping and AI – 00:14:07 Digital maps are evolving beyond fastest-route navigation. AI could account for trip purpose, lane restrictions, vehicle dimensions, charging, road conditions and operational needs. Prestige brands under pressure – 00:25:16 Advanced technology is spreading rapidly into cheaper cars, challenging traditional luxury brands to justify their premiums through refinement, service and a genuinely distinctive experience. Ferrari builds a one-off – 00:33:08 Ferrari’s CZ26 shows how bespoke motoring can extend beyond colours and trim. A single customer commissions substantial aerodynamic, engineering and material changes around SF90 foundations. Design, image and luxury – 00:37:13 Jaguar’s dramatic interior and Singer’s Louis Vuitton collaboration prompt debate about design versus function, and whether luxury details add genuine value or simply advertise exclusivity. Mazda CX-5 road test – 00:46:53 The CX-5 remains refined and understated, with subtle exterior surfacing and good road manners. Its larger touchscreen and conventional 2.5-litre drivetrain raise questions about Mazda’s direction.
August 16, 202657 min
Toll reform, EV road wear, car-name chaos, MG's HS
David Brown and Paul Murrell examine Sydney toll reform which raises bigger questions about transport planning and contract design, and whether heavier EVs really damage roads. They consider Smart's street-art launch for its new electric two-seater, BMW turning connected dashboards into promotional space, and the growing complexity of in-car controls. The pair also tackle famously mispronounced car names and the cultures behind them, before David tests the MG HS Super Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid SUV offering substantial electric-only range and family practicality. Episode Breakdown • Sydney toll reform - 00:01:21 • Do EVs damage roads? - 00:10:19 • Smart's electric comeback - 00:17:56 • Dashboard advertising - 00:25:03 • Modern car controls - 00:33:45 • Mispronounced car names - 00:35:13 • MG HS Super Hybrid - 00:44:50 Full Summary Sydney toll reform Cheaper Sydney tolls prompt a wider discussion about motorway contracts, non-compete clauses, public transport and why sound long-term planning matters more than headline relief. Do EVs damage roads? EVs are heavier, but axle loads matter more than total vehicle weight. Heavy trucks and buses remain far greater contributors to structural pavement damage than passenger cars. Smart's electric comeback Smart promotes its coming electric two-seater through global street-art murals. The hosts question whether elaborate branding can justify premium pricing for a small urban EV. Dashboard advertising BMW's Spider-Man promotion appears on compatible infotainment screens, sparking debate over ownership, subscriptions and whether connected cars risk becoming rolling advertising platforms. Modern car controls Touchscreens and multifunction controls can make simple tasks unnecessarily difficult. David and Paul argue that useful tutorials could be a better use of connected-car displays. Mispronounced car names From Porsche and Touareg to Hyundai, Citroën and Qashqai, the hosts explore pronunciation, language and the cultural origins behind familiar automotive names. MG HS Super Hybrid David tests MG's medium plug-in hybrid SUV, noting its roughly 120 km achievable electric range, improved styling, generous cabin and cargo space, and potential as an urban family vehicle. Program Links and Credits Overdrive is presented by David Brown with Paul Murrell from SeniorDriver.au. Search for Cars Transport Culture for the program website, podcast and social media. Listener feedback: feedback@drivenmedia.com.au.
Is this your show?
Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.
Claim this listing
