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Overdrive

Overdrive

David Brown 500 Episodes Aug 12, 2026

Overdrive is a weekly radio program covering cars, transport, and culture. It features motoring and transport news from Australia and around the world, road tests, interviews, and quirky stories. Hosted by David Brown, a respected motoring broadcaster heard across Australia on commercial, public, and community radio.

Episodes

Porsche Pivots, Honda’s Tiny EV and Bentley Luxury
Porsche Pivots, Honda’s Tiny EV and Bentley Luxury Aug 12, 2026 01:04:38 Short description David Brown and Paul Murrell explore the forces reshaping the automotive world, from Porsche’s restructuring and Honda’s compact electric city car to Hyundai’s 40-year journey in Australia. They celebrate engineering heritage, review the Bentley Continental GTC plug-in hybrid and the Mazda MX-5 RF, and examine how open-source software is changing in-car technology. Along the way,
Victoria’s Transport Big Build, VW Edition, MG EV6
Victoria’s Transport Big Build, VW Edition, MG EV6 Jul 31, 2026 00:53:07 Short description Victoria’s transport infrastructure dominates this episode as David Brown and Brian Smith examine the politics, planning and economics behind major projects, including the Suburban Rail Loop and Infrastructure Australia. They also discuss Volkswagen’s evolving people mover lineup, XPeng’s new electric X9, Fiat’s uncertain Australian future, listener feedback and a road test of th
VW’s ups and downs; luxury EVs; Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
VW’s ups and downs; luxury EVs; Hyundai Ioniq 6 N Jul 31, 2026 01:07:41 Short description David Brown and Paul Murrell examine the pressures reshaping the automotive industry, from Volkswagen’s restructuring and the rise of Chinese manufacturers to BMW’s expanding EV line-up and Mercedes-Maybach’s new approach to luxury. The program also explores transport branding, public transport planning and the future of smaller car brands in Australia, mixing industry analysis w
BYD refunds, affordable EVs, future of mobility
BYD refunds, affordable EVs, future of mobility Jul 28, 2026 01:07:50 David Brown and Paul Murrell unpack BYD’s full refund offer after a model-year mix-up, assess new budget EVs from Geely, and examine why plug-in hybrid utes could be the practical choice for Australian buyers. They also explore Chinese brands’ sales performance, adaptive traffic signal technology, award-winning future vehicle concepts, and the evolution of automotive design before wrapping up with
EVs reshape market; Toyota pivots; a rally legend
EVs reshape market; Toyota pivots; a rally legend Jul 19, 2026 01:07:50 Australia’s new vehicle market is changing rapidly, with Chinese brands and electrified models reshaping the sales charts while Toyota expands its electrified range. David Brown and Paul Murrell examine the latest market data, discuss the future of hybrids and EVs, explore the world of exclusive hypercars, debate working from home and transport, review the Maserati Grecale Trofeo, preview the H
Brand identity, Route 66 at 100, are EVs too fast?
Brand identity, Route 66 at 100, are EVs too fast? Jul 4, 2026 00:59:10 Short description David Brown and Paul Murrell explore how carmakers balance shared engineering with distinctive brand identity, from Stellantis to Mercedes-Benz’s new retail approach. They discuss logistics, motoring journalism, iconic vehicle-inspired wine branding, the centenary of Route 66, and whether technology, design and culture still shape how we experience cars in an increasingly digital
Transport and schools, AI Traffic Data, Kia EV9
Transport and schools, AI Traffic Data, Kia EV9 Jun 20, 2026 00:57:33 Short Description David Brown and Brian Smith examine the growing number of automotive brands entering Australia and the challenges of building identity in a crowded market. They discuss how school planning can unintentionally create transport problems, reflect on Sydney’s transformation through projects such as Martin Place and George Street, explore how AI could reshape traffic management, and r
Ban Kerb Parking? EV Price Cuts, X-Trail, Triton
Ban Kerb Parking? EV Price Cuts, X-Trail, Triton Jun 12, 2026 01:04:15 David Brown and Brian Smith examine the future of Kerb-side parking, arguing for better management rather than simplistic anti-car policies. They discuss Hyundai’s EV price cuts, the growing pressure from Chinese brands, whether sedans can challenge SUVs again, and concerns about EV repair access. The episode also reviews the Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Triton, explores changing buyer behaviour
Parking Policy, Warranty Risks, Reinventing Buses
Parking Policy, Warranty Risks, Reinventing Buses Jun 7, 2026 00:59:07 A wide-ranging edition of Overdrive examines how transport policy, motoring costs and changing consumer behaviour are reshaping Australian mobility. David Brown and Paul Murrell debate apartment parking mandates, shifting new-car pricing, church-based car sharing and whether high-speed buses could outperform costly rail projects. They also unpack the risks and realities of extended warranties, pol
Young Drivers training, EV trends, BMW i4, Jimny
Young Drivers training, EV trends, BMW i4, Jimny Jun 5, 2026 00:49:31 Short Description David Brown and Paul Murrell discuss a different approach to driver education, arguing that financial incentives can encourage safer, smoother driving habits. They examine shifting EV sales trends, BMW’s electric success, the preservation of grand railway stations, and the changing language of luxury motoring at Rolls-Royce. The program also explores Audi’s abandoned Procon-Ten
Driving Thrills, EV Mining Trucks, Vitara Hybrid
Driving Thrills, EV Mining Trucks, Vitara Hybrid Jun 5, 2026 00:50:37 Driving Thrills, EV Mining Trucks, Vitara Hybrid Short Description David Brown and Paul Murrell explore whether driving enjoyment can be scientifically measured, examine the rapid electrification of heavy mining equipment, critique the design direction of new Ferrari and Mercedes-AMG EVs, and discuss AI-driven behaviour monitoring in cars and workplaces. The program concludes with a road test of t
AI cars, classic shooting brakes likened to Kia K4
AI cars, classic shooting brakes likened to Kia K4 Jun 1, 2026 00:48:42 Overdrive: AI cars, revived names and the Kia K4 shooting brake twist AI cars, classic shooting brakes likened to Kia K4 Short Description This episode explores how Chinese manufacturers are reshaping the car industry through AI, digital architecture and global strategy. There’s debate over heritage as Jaguar Land Rover revives Freelander, while GWM backs V8 power for markets like Australia. The

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