Articles by Mark Oastler
14 November 2024 by Mark Oastler
Volkswagen’s Caddy Life seven-seater combines compact dimensions with efficient use of internal space and seating flexibility to deliver an effective combination of comfort and utility. We recently spent a week with the premium model to see if this people-mover can meet the diverse requirements of...Read more
22 October 2024 by Mark Oastler
Latest VFACTS new vehicle registration figures show that in 2024 the Toyota HiAce one-tonne van commands more than 46 per cent of the 2.5 to 3.5-tonne GVM segment. In other words, almost every second new mid-sized van sold in Australia is a HiAce, leaving numerous competitors from Korean, European...Read more
11 October 2024 by Mark Oastler
Hyundai has established a reputation for quality light commercial vans in Australia, thanks largely to the solid foundations laid by the iLoad one-tonner launched locally in 2007. For more than a decade it proved to be a popular alternative to Toyota’s dominant HiAce in the 2.5-3.5-tonne GVM van...Read more
28 September 2024 by Mark Oastler
Judging by the latest VFacts new vehicle registration data, most Aussie 4x4 ute buyers continue to overlook the D23 Nissan Navara. With only a 4.5 per cent share of this booming market segment, its sales numbers are perhaps a symptom of its age (launched locally in 2015), lapsed ANCAP rating and...Read more
5 September 2024 by Mark Oastler
Those looking to buy a mid-sized (2.5 to 3.5-tonne GVM) commercial van are spoilt for choice, as there are currently 11 models from nine manufacturers competing for your business. Latest VFACTS industry figures show that Toyota’s HiAce continues to dominate this segment with a staggering 46 per...Read more
2 September 2024 by Mark Oastler
Since its launch in the 1960s, the iconic HiLux has been one of Toyota’s strongest-selling models. The current eighth-generation continues that tradition, even though now in its ninth year in local showrooms and having lost its long-held 4x4 sales leadership to Ford’s Ranger. Toyota has done a...Read more
4 August 2024 by Mark Oastler
Sole traders, SMEs, transport companies and corporate fleets are potential customers LDV is aiming at with its new eDeliver7 electric van range, which competes in Australia’s mid-sized (2.5-3.5-tonne GVM) commercial van segment. The Chinese manufacturer claims the eDeliver7’s combination of quiet...Read more
27 July 2024 by Mark Oastler
GMSV offers three RHD Chevrolet Silverado models in Australia, comprising the 1500 ZR2 and LTZ Premium plus the 2500 HD (Heavy Duty). All are tailor-made for heavy towing duties. The 1500 models are better suited to urban life than the gargantuan 2500 HD, given that their shorter wheelbases and...Read more
12 July 2024 by Mark Oastler
If you’re looking for a heavy duty 4x4 wagon that can tackle the toughest off-road terrain and haul heavy loads with equal competence, there’s a handful of models derived from 4x4 one-tonne utes that can deliver. Sharing the same rugged truck-style construction, with a wagon body mounted on a...Read more
3 July 2024 by Mark Oastler
The combined sales of GMSV’s 1500 and 2500 HD Silverado offerings currently represent more than 36 per cent of the Over $100K pick-up segment, in which extensive local remanufacturing of US-sourced vehicles to RHD ensures six-figure price tags. Clearly, these large Chevrolets, which are primarily...Read more
21 June 2024 by Mark Oastler
It’s still early days for battery-electric workhorses in Australia but Chinese brand Foton is making a concerted push into the zero-tailpipe-emissions commercial-vehicle market with its T5 EV. The Beijing-based manufacturer, which has topped commercial-vehicle sales in China for almost two decades...Read more
28 May 2024 by Mark Oastler
Platform-sharing to amortise vehicle development and production costs is common in the automotive industry, from the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, Mazda MX-5/Fiat 124 Spider and Toyota Supra/BMW Z4 sports car pairings to light-commercial vehicle tie-ups like the Ford Ranger/Mazda BT-50, Renault Trafic/...Read more
26 May 2024 by Mark Oastler
The Nissan Patrol has been sold in Australia since the early 1960s and during that time has evolved through numerous model generations and built solid customer loyalties. The latest Y62 model, with its brilliant active suspension and powerful petrol V8, was launched here in 2013 and during its...Read more
23 May 2024 by Mark Oastler
The Mitsubishi Triton has been a solid seller in Australia since the first generation L200 was launched in the late 1970s. The Triton has since evolved through five generations and achieved global sales of 5.6 million units. Although sold in 150 countries, Australia remains one of its most...Read more
14 May 2024 by Mark Oastler
The rough stuff The GWM Ute Cannon XSR is aimed at buyers wanting a more hardcore off-road specification than other models in the range, as can be seen by the generous terrain-taming standard equipment that’s unique to this model. That includes sturdy steel bumpers front and rear, extra underbody...Read more
16 April 2024 by Mark Oastler
The Mitsubishi Outlander was launched more than two decades ago and through four generations has proven to be a solid performer in Australia’s highly competitive SUV market. The latest generation arrived in 2021, which includes petrol-only and petrol plug-in hybrid models, competes in the ‘ Medium...Read more
3 April 2024 by Mark Oastler
The XSR may not be a class-leader in payloads or tow ratings, yet it still offers a set of numbers that for many owners (including hard-working tradies, of course) are more than adequate for many load-carrying and towing tasks. With its 2220kg kerb weight, the off-road-armoured XSR is not...Read more
27 March 2024 by Mark Oastler
Aussie buyers could be excused for being wary of SsangYong, given the marque’s chequered history involving numerous ownership changes, crippling debts and in 2021 its rescue from the jaws of receivership by Korean industrial conglomerate KG Group. However, the KG Group’s corporate rehabilitation of...Read more
22 March 2024 by Mark Oastler
The iconic 70 Series LandCruiser was introduced in 1985 and, during almost four decades of continuous production, has been the vehicle of choice for the farming, mining and agricultural sectors as well as a favourite of off-road enthusiasts. During that long evolution, Toyota has been careful not...Read more