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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.

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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Mid-size commercial vans: the essentials
By Mark Oastler · 30 Oct 2020
One of the most competitive segments in Australia’s light commercial vehicle market is for mid-sized vans. With 2500-3500kg GVM ratings, they strike a happy medium between the light-duty small van (under-2500kg GVM) and heavy-duty large van (3501-8000kg GVM) categories, which makes them well suited to a multitude of working roles.
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Ford Transit Custom 340L DCiV vs Renault Trafic Crew Lifestyle vs Toyota HiAce Crew Van 2021 comparison review
By Mark Oastler · 16 Oct 2020
The growing popularity of mid-sized (2.5-3.5 tonne GVM) commercial vans that can carry up to six people, generically known as crew vans, has seen an increasing number of rivals from mainstream manufacturers with a second row of seats. These include Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, Renault, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz.There’s no argument that 4x4 dual cab utes are by far Australia’s most popular and versatile light commercial vehicles. However, not everyone needs high-riding off-road ability and some would happily trade that for more spacious rear seating and a huge fully-enclosed cargo bay to carry their crew and all their gear – be it for work or play.It's those two key attributes which present a compelling argument for crew vans – but which one would you choose? We’ve combined our most recent road test activity of three of Australia’s best examples from Toyota, Ford and Renault to see how they measure up in a side-by-side comparison.
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High-grade cab chassis utes: the lowdown
By Mark Oastler · 30 Sep 2020
Increasing customer demand for vehicle personalisation has for the first time prompted market leaders Toyota and Ford to offer cab-chassis versions of their high-grade dual cab utes.
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Ford Transit Custom vs Hyundai iLoad vs Toyota HiAce LWB comparison review
By Mark Oastler · 03 Sep 2020
The top three contenders in the local medium-sized (2.5 to 3.5 tonne GVM) commercial van class are the Toyota HiAce followed by the Hyundai iLoad and Ford's Transit Custom.
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Six-wheeler conversions: The truth about 6x4 and 6x6 ute conversions
By Mark Oastler · 31 Aug 2020
One-tonne 4x4 utes are well suited to the hard-working roles many tradies need them to perform - and that often requires carrying and/or towing heavy loads. However, utes can be easily overloaded without their owners being aware. Exceeding your ute’s GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) or GCM (Gross Combination Mass) is dangerous, illegal and must be avoided.
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Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2020 review: GLS 7-seat long term
By Mark Oastler · 05 Aug 2020
Mark Oastler is spending three months with the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS seven seat to see how it suits his family's needs.
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Peugeot Boxer 2020 review: 160 Standard - GVM test
By Mark Oastler · 03 Aug 2020
Peugeot Australia offers variants across the small, medium and large commercial van segments. Its largest model, the manual-only Boxer 160 which in 2020 features improved safety and warranty, competes in the LD (light duty) 3501-8000kg GVM class.
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Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500: The pros and cons of US pick-up trucks
By Mark Oastler · 28 Jul 2020
Uncle Sam’s finest have been available in Australia for decades now, mainly through small-volume import/RHD conversion specialists. However, in more recent times, these giant US hay-haulers have enjoyed exponential sales growth despite the economic fallout of COVID-19.
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