Tradies Reviews

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2023 review: 419 LWB Panel Van - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 31 May 2023

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been a popular option in the heavy commercial van segment for close to 30 years, during which time a raft of new keenly-priced and well-specified competitors have arrived to challenge it. Does this latest, third-generation version do enough to hold them at bay?

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Hyundai Staria Load 2023 review: Premium

By Tom White · 29 May 2023

Hyundai's Staria Load makes the case for a van that offers the specs to take on the dominant HiAce along with cool styling, high safety, and the luxuries of a passenger car. Can it really do it all?

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Toyota HiLux 2023 review: SR5+ - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 18 May 2023

It's been eight years since the eighth-gen HiLux landed in Australian showrooms, and it is the country's favourite vehicle - by sales. But newer rivals like the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max have taken a bite out f its market share in recent years. How does the dual-cab HiLux stack up in 2023?

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Volkswagen Amarok 2023 review

By Byron Mathioudakis · 11 May 2023

The original VW Amarok changed the ute, pushing out refinement and drivability boundaries. The new version is based on the Australian designed and engineered Ford Ranger, and shares its underpinnings, most powertrains, safety systems and structure. But the VW features its own look inside and out, as well as unique driving tunes and specification, to create an unexpectedly different experience.

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Volkswagen Caddy Cargo 2023 review: Petrol - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 04 May 2023

Despite competition from a couple of well-credentialled competitors, in the shape of the Peugeot Partner and Renault Kangoo, VW's Caddy continues to dominate the small light-commercial van category. Is this on-going sales success deserved? Mark Oastler has loaded it up and taken to the hills in a TradieGuide test to find out.

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Ram 1500 TRX 2023 review: GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 19 Apr 2023

You think the Ford Ranger Raptor's 'tuff', well think about the Ford F-150 Raptor in the USA, with 335kW, a five-link rear suspension and Fox Racing Shox all around. RAM did, and created the 1500 TRX to comprehensively out-muscle it. T-Rex tops Raptor, right? We've driven it, and loaded it up, on local soil. Read on to see how this monster performs.

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Mazda BT-50 2023 review: XTR LE

By Mark Oastler · 03 Apr 2023

Mazda's BT-50 ute competes in one of the Australian new car market's hottest segments against the all-conquering Ford Ranger, evergreen Toyota HiLux, and many more. Can a new premium XTR LE grade zoom zoom a few more 4x4 ute buyers Mazda's way?

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Nissan Navara 2023 review: SL Warrior - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 20 Mar 2023

Nissan Australia scored a hit with its locally enhanced Navara Warrior PRO-4X. Now it's offering a more affordable version that keeps all the hardcore stuff and trims away some of the fancy bits around the edges - the Navara SL Warrior.

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Ford Transit Custom 2023 review: Sport 320S SWB - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 07 Mar 2023

The current version of Ford's Transit Custom may be coming to the end of its life, with a new generation model due late this year, but the Blue Oval hasn't been sitting on its hands. The Sport version has been on the receiving end of ongoing upgrades to safety and standard specification. So, how does it stack up against the light commercial van competition?

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Toyota HiAce 2023 review: LWB turbo-diesel

By Mark Oastler · 21 Feb 2023

Despite the emergence of new competitors in recent years, Toyota's HiAce van remains the go-to workhorse for thousands of Aussie businesses. After a long gestation period rear barn doors are now offered as part of the package. Do they make a big difference?

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