Articles by Mark Oastler

Mark Oastler

Contributing Journalist

Mark Oastler has been a prominent motoring journalist in print and electronic media for more than three decades.

Based in Melbourne, his diverse roles have included more than a decade of motorsport TV commentary for both the Seven and Ten networks, editor of Street Machine magazine, founding editor of Australian Muscle Car magazine and freelance contributor to Wheels, Motor, Auto Action, Unique Cars, V8X, Suncorp and many more.

In addition to his regular reviews and advice pieces for CarsGuide, he is also a feature writer and online TV host for the popular Shannons Club website.

Expertise

Light-commercial vehicles
Motorsport history
Classic cars and motorcycles

Experience

2021 Motorsport Australia Media Service Award
Multiple Dunlop Media Award winner (TV)

Featured publications

Wheels
Motor
Auto Action
Unique Cars
V8X
Suncorp
Street Machine | 1996-1999
Australian Muscle Car | 2002-2011
Shannons Club | 2012-present
CarsGuide | 2016-present

Farizon V7E 2026 review: Extended Range | Ford E-Transit Custom rival tested

By Mark Oastler · 10 Oct 2026

The Farizon V7E joins a growing number of full-electric commercial vans on offer, but does it represent a compelling alternative to long established diesel rivals in Australia's popular mid-size van market?

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Toyota HiLux 2026 review: BEV SR5 Dual-cab pick-up - GVM test | KGM Musso EV rival tested

By Mark Oastler · 23 Sep 2026

Toyota has launched the first full-electric version of its iconic HiLux workhorse, but does it offer the right mix of price and practicality to be a realistic alternative to its diesel stablemates?

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2026 Hyundai Staria Load review: Hybrid - GVM test | Ford Transit Custom rival tested

By Mark Oastler · 05 Sep 2026

Hyundai has recently introduced a hybrid powertrain option for its popular Staria Load van but does this new petrol-electric technology offer the right mix of performance and economy to win new customers in the mid-size commercial van market?

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Kia PV5 Cargo 2026 review: GVM test | Ford E-Transit Custom rival tested

By Mark Oastler · 21 Aug 2026

Kia's all-new PV5 Cargo van brings sophisticated design and long driving range at an enticing price to Australia's expanding full-electric commercial van fleet, but is it a practical alternative to traditional diesel rivals?

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GWM Haval H6GT PHEV 2026 review: Hi-4 | Toyota RAV4 rival tested

By Mark Oastler · 18 Aug 2026

The latest generation of GWM's Haval H6GT PHEV introduces Hi4 all-wheel drive technology plus significant interior and multimedia upgrades, but does this sporty flagship hit a sweet spot for SUV buyers?

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MG MG4 2026 review: Urban Essence 54 | BYD Dolphin rival tested

By Mark Oastler · 10 Aug 2026

The new MG4 EV Urban offers an affordable entry point to electric car ownership but does it have the right mix of price, practicality and performance to be a standout for small car shoppers in the BEV market?

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JAC T9 2026 review: Tradepro Cab Chassis 4x4 - GVM test | Isuzu D-Max rival tested

By Mark Oastler · 03 Aug 2026

JAC Motors has added a cab-chassis variant to its local T9 ute range with the work-focused Tradepro model, but does it hit a sweet spot for tradies wanting to install their own trays or service bodies?

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Fiat Scudo 2026 review: Primo LWB - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 12 Jul 2026

The Fiat Scudo has returned to Australian showrooms after a long absence but does the latest third generation of this European workhorse have the credentials to be a major player in the mid-size commercial van segment?

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Nissan Navara 2026 review: SL 4x4

By Mark Oastler · 20 Jun 2026

Nissan's fifth-generation Navara is essentially a thinly disguised Mitsubishi Triton but does it have enough differentiation from its donor to stand alone as a genuine rival?

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Renault Trafic 2026 review: Premium LWB - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 06 Jun 2026

The MY26 Renault Trafic range brings numerous upgrades with considerable appeal for tradies, but are they enough to tempt mid-size commercial van buyers away from the dominant Toyota HiAce?

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