 |
OverdriveOverdrive: Cars, Transport and Culture. A weekly Author: David Brown
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. Language: en Genres: Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
Victoria’s Transport Big Build, VW Edition, MG EV6
Thursday, 30 July, 2026
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 the MG S5 EV, highlighting practical design, technology and everyday usability. Episode Breakdown • Victoria’s Big Build and transport planning — 00:00:49 • Infrastructure Australia and better project selection — 00:10:39 • Volkswagen Multivan, Kombi legacy and ID. Buzz — 00:22:39 • XPeng X9 electric people mover — 00:33:05 • Fiat Australia update and listener feedback — 00:39:58 • MG S5 EV road test — 00:44:14 • Preview: Mazda MX-5 and next week — 00:51:23 Full summary Victoria’s Big Build and transport planning David Brown and Brian Smith discuss Victoria’s change of premier and the political pressure surrounding the state’s major transport projects. They examine the value of orbital rail, balancing infrastructure costs with long-term city planning, governance challenges and why integrated transport networks should support more than CBD commuting. The conversation also explores road space reallocation, traffic behaviour and the importance of designing cities around local access. Infrastructure Australia and better project selection The discussion turns to Infrastructure Australia’s role in assessing nationally significant projects. Brian explains why rigorous business cases and genuine comparison of alternatives are essential, while David questions politically driven project announcements and stresses the need for strategic planning that considers broader regional outcomes rather than isolated headline projects. Volkswagen Multivan, Kombi legacy and ID. Buzz Volkswagen’s updated Multivan prompts a look back at the Kombi’s enduring cultural impact. David and Brian debate whether Volkswagen should have retained the Kombi name, compare the Multivan with the electric ID. Buzz and discuss the changing Australian people mover market, practical cabin design and thoughtful features that improve everyday driving. XPeng X9 electric people mover Brian outlines the Australian launch pricing and specifications for the XPeng X9, including its long driving range, rapid charging capability and AI-powered onboard systems. The discussion also covers the brand’s local distribution changes, the usefulness of voice assistants and where AI genuinely improves the driving experience. Fiat Australia update and listener feedback The team reviews Stellantis’ statement on Fiat’s Australian future, concluding the brand’s immediate outlook remains uncertain. Listener contributions include a memorable fancy-dress crash story, reflections on classic Peugeot GTIs and conversations about large American cars and collector vehicles. MG S5 EV road test David road tests the MG S5 EV, praising its improved build quality, practical front storage, smooth driving dynamics, generous safety equipment and competitive pricing. He also notes frustrations with touchscreen-heavy controls and persistent driver assistance alerts, while Brian argues that value remains one of MG’s strongest selling points. Preview: Mazda MX-5 and next week The program concludes with a preview of next week’s Mazda MX-5 review and a discussion about intrusive driver assistance systems, before wrapping up the latest edition of Overdrive. Program Links and Credits Website: Cars Transport Culture Podcasts: Community Radio Network, Spotify and YouTube Follow: Facebook, Instagram and YouTube – Cars Transport Culture Credits Host: David Brown Transport Expert: Brian Smith Contributing Reviewer: Evan Jones Produced for Overdrive and broadcast across Australia on the Community Radio Network. First aired 1 August 2026.
