Sometimes it captivates, sometimes … not so much.

The Quick Spin podcast is exactly that - a fast-paced show that aims to deliver latest automotive news with no time to waste.

Backed by North American publication Autoweek, this condenses into weekly 15-minute episode. All so outwardly promising … but there are some caveats.

It’s less international than US-first, though it still delivers enough info to be relatable to Kiwi listeners. Whether dissecting the latest releases or sharing road-test perspectives, the show delivers a mix of technical know-how and casual conversation with broad appeal.

Primary host is Autoweek associate editor Wesley Wren and the publication’s wider editorial team members. The upside is that you’re getting experienced automotive journalism with balanced feedback without the influencer hype that often plagues other shows.

Picking a standout episode is ultimately down to what flavour of vehicle tested captures your interest. The humble Toyota Corolla hybrid or Bentley’s Flying Spur?

Mazda loyalists may find the show’s discussion surrounding the not-for-New Zealand CX-70 enraging (think CX-90 SUV with a third-row delete), with the critical consensus being that its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain requires significant refinement. There’s no bias here either, with locally echoed sentiment applicable to the CX-60 that shares the same powertrain and associate quirks as its North American cousin.

The negatives? The show trips up with frequent use of ‘sped-up’ voice-to-piece intros and obnoxiously unnecessary V8 soundtrack overlays. These quick-spoken and robotic-sounding moments are frustrating and leave listeners wondering if they’ve missed vital information.

Also of contention is the way the podcast is recorded. While the audio is clear and balanced, it often feels like it was initially captured in video format, with the visual content stripped away (extraordinary as you’ll still hear driving sounds and vehicle controls in operation)—talk about a missed opportunity.

Despite this, the tightly edited format ensures listeners stay engaged from start to finish, so at least check it out.

The Quick Spin Podcast Homepage: https://www.autoweek.com/podcast/