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.

Ford F-350 2018 review: Platinum SWB Crew Cab

By Mark Oastler · 26 Sep 2018

Ford's big F-Series Super Duty is an American towing legend, but is it simply too big for Australia?

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Citroen Berlingo M Confort VTi 2018 review

By Mark Oastler · 06 Sep 2018

Cheap drive-away pricing might be drawing customers to the Citroen Berlingo, but is it a worthy rival for VW's dominant Caddy in the small-van class?

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Ford Transit Custom 2018 review: 300S

By Mark Oastler · 21 Aug 2018

Ford's freshly restyled Transit Custom is racing up the sales charts, but is its new-found showroom appeal more than skin deep?

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Mercedes-Benz X-Class X220d RWD 2018 review

By Mark Oastler · 01 Aug 2018

Mercedes-Benz is chasing a piece of the ever-growing dual-cab ute market with its recently released X-Class pick-up. We put the base X220d to the test.

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Volkswagen Amarok V6 Highline 2018 review: tow test

By Mark Oastler · 24 Jul 2018

When VW added a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel to its Amarok range in late 2016, it raised the local performance benchmark for dual-cab hay-haulers. With a stonking 165kW and 550Nm, the Amarok V6 has cast a shadow over all rivals as the most powerful Aussie ute ever since. However, it will soon be matched in torque and

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Volkswagen Amarok 2018 review: Core Plus

By Mark Oastler · 02 Jul 2018

VW's Amarok Core Plus might not be the newest offering in the dual-cab stable, but it still feels ahead of its time in the areas that count - namely its clever four-cylinder engine.

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Renault Kangoo 2018 review: Maxi

By Mark Oastler · 22 Jun 2018

The Renault Kangoo is hugely popular in Europe, but is it as well suited to Australian driving conditions?

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Foton Tunland 2018 review: 4x4 auto

By Mark Oastler · 01 Jun 2018

Foton is planning a bright light-commercial future in Australia, with the 2018 Tunland dual cab leading the charge. Here's why you shouldn't write it off as another cheap Chinese ute.

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Ford Everest 2018 review

By Mark Oastler · 29 May 2018

Ford's Ranger-derived Everest is one of Australia's best off-road wagons, so why can't it match the sales dominance of the Toyota Prado?

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Ford Everest Ambiente 2018 review: snapshot

By Mark Oastler · 29 May 2018

The Ambiente is the entry point for the Everest range, and with the addition of a more affordable RWD option with five seats in 2017, it opened the door to Everest ownership for under $50K.

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