Articles by Mark Oastler

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mark Oastler is spending three months with the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS seven seat to see how it suits his family's needs.

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.

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.

Mark Oastler road tests and reviews the new Toyota LC78 LandCruiser TroopCarrier GXL with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

There are currently 10 models competing for customers in the medium-sized 2.5-3.5 tonne GVM commercial van segment, which is dominated by Toyota's HiAce with Hyundai's iLoad and Ford's Transit Custom in an increasingly close fight for second and third place.

Toyota's latest generation HiAce mid-sized van is a comfortable, practical and competent load-hauler in both long wheelbase (LWB) and super-long wheelbase (SLWB) configurations.