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    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.

    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 LCV reviews and advice pieces for CarsGuide, he is also a feature writer and online TV host for the popular Shannons Club website.

    Volkswagen Transporter 2021 review: TDI340 LWB GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 04 May 2021
    The VW Transporter has been in production for more than 70 years, as its bloodline can be traced back to the original rear-engine split-window 'Kombi' launched in 1950. So, during those seven decades, the German manufacturer has no doubt learned a thing or ten about building light commercial vans.
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    GWM Ute 2021 review: Cannon-L GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 19 Apr 2021
    A Chinese invasion of the Aussie new car market has been long-predicted, but only recently have brands like GWM started to gain genuine traction here. The new Cannon ute offers handy specs, a lengthy equipment list, and a sharp price. But how does it measure up on quality and performance?
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    LDV Deliver 9 2021 review: Mid-roof Auto GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 06 Apr 2021
    There are currently 14 rivals competing for customers in the Light Duty or LD (3501-8000kg GVM) segment of Australia's heavy commercial vehicle market. Business buyers and fleet operators are thick on the ground here and competition for their business is fierce.
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    Mazda BT-50 2021 review: XT Freestyle cab chassis GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 17 Mar 2021
    Mazda's release of its all-new BT-50 dual cab ute in September 2020 was followed in November by single cab and extended cab (aka Freestyle Cab) variants. Like their dual cab siblings, these work-focused commercials share mechanical underpinnings with the latest Isuzu D-Max range from which the BT-50 is largely derived.
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    Fiat Ducato 2021 review: Mid-wheelbase GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 04 Mar 2021
    The Ducato originated in 1981 through a joint venture between Fiat and PSA Peugeot-Citroen, which are both now part of the recently formed Stellantis conglomerate. The Ducato has evolved through four decades and several generations, with more than 2.6 million sold in a variety of body styles (including popular motorhomes) and wheelbases.
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    Mitsubishi Triton 2021 review: GLS - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 15 Feb 2021
    Although Mitsubishi has increased prices across the board for its Triton fleet in 2021, the popular Japanese ute continues to represent excellent value for money. It also remains firmly entrenched in a solid third place in the local 4x4 ute sales race, behind the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
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    Toyota HiLux 2021 review: SR5 Double Cab cab chassis GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 01 Jan 2021
    Toyota Australia's freshly facelifted HiLux range offers not only the usual base-grade Workmate 4x4 dual cab-chassis but also mid-grade SR and high-grade SR5/SR5+ variants for the first time.
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    Best five utes for towing
    By Mark Oastler · 22 Dec 2020
    You'd have to be driving around with your eyes wide shut not to see that 4x4 dual cab utes dominate the Aussie roadscape these days.
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    Toyota HiLux 2021 review: Rogue
    By Mark Oastler · 23 Nov 2020
    Strong demand for premium-grade utes has prompted Toyota to release upgraded versions of its high-end Rogue and top-shelf Rugged X HiLux models. These combine the latest engineering refinements recently introduced across the HiLux range with new styling and equipment features unique to these ‘hero’ models, which feature substantial Australian input.
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    Isuzu D-Max 2021 review: 4x4 SX Crew Cab Chassis - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 19 Nov 2020
    Isuzu has invested more than four million kilometres and six years of development in creating the all-new third-generation of its D-MAX ute. And feedback from the Australian market had significant influence in its design, given that Australia is the D-MAX's largest global export market behind Thailand.
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