Articles by Mark Oastler

Mark Oastler

Contributing Journalist

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

Now based in Melbourne, his diverse roles have included more than a decade of motor sport 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, AMC, 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.

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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Volkswagen e-Transporter 2026 review: Van LWB BEV 415

By Mark Oastler · 31 May 2026

Volkswagen has recently launched its first all-new Transporter in a decade, but does the full-electric variant of this light commercial icon appeal to long term loyalists and new customers alike?

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Ford Ranger 2026 review: Super Duty Single-cab chassis - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 27 Apr 2026

Ford's ground-breaking Ranger Super Duty brings unprecedented load-hauling and towing abilities to the medium-sized ute segment combined with tank-tough construction and advanced off-road smarts, so is this the ultimate workhorse for tradies?

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Cadillac Lyriq 2026 review: Luxury

By Mark Oastler · 11 Apr 2026

The Cadillac Lyriq is a stylish contender in Australia's luxury EV SUV market but does this handsome American represent a genuine alternative to prestige European marques in this space?

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