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.

Great Wall Steed 2017 review

By Mark Oastler · 05 Oct 2017

Great Wall has been China’s best-selling ute brand for nearly two decades, so it’s no surprise it's having a crack at our hotly contested market, but will its low prices be enough to make it a winner?

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Volkswagen Caddy SWB Trendline TSI220 2017 review

By Mark Oastler · 06 Sep 2017

The undisputed leader of the Australian small (under 2.5t GVM) commercial van market is VW’s Caddy, which has grown its market share from around 46 per cent in 2016 to more than 55 per cent this year.

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Ford Transit Custom auto 2017 review

By Mark Oastler · 25 Aug 2017

Ford's Transit is Europe's most popular commercial van, but has lagged behind Toyota's HiAce and Hyundai's iLoad in Australia, largely due to lack of an auto. Now one's arrived, we've load tested it.

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Toyota Hilux 2017

By Mark Oastler · 02 Aug 2017

Toyota has a lot riding on the enduring success of its latest NG-series HiLux in an increasingly competitive Australian and global ute market.

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Renault Trafic Crew 2017 review

By Mark Oastler · 31 Jul 2017

There's a trend in the medium van segment that's offering an alternative to the large SUV or dual cab ute – the Crew van. Renault has joined the battle with its own Crew based on the Trafic van.

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Renault Kangoo Compact 2017 Review

By Mark Oastler · 17 Jul 2017

The Renault Kangoo has traditionally been a strong seller in the under-2.5 tonne GVM commercial van segment, and its latest MY2017 model has the sales-leading Volkswagen Caddy in its cross-hairs.

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Ford Everest Ambiente RWD 2017 review

By Mark Oastler · 05 Jul 2017

The Aussie-designed, full-size Ford family wagon is alive and well, now as a tough SUV, in the form of the award-winning Everest, tested here in entry-level, five-seat, rear-wheel drive Ambiente spec.

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Ford Ranger FX4 2017 Review

By Mark Oastler · 29 Jun 2017

Toyota's HiLux is feeling the heat from Ford's (PXII) Ranger in Australia's hotly contested 4x4 ute market. And in early 2017 Ford released the first XLT dual cab 4x4-based special edition called FX4.

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Volkswagen Amarok Core auto 2017 review

By Mark Oastler · 19 Jun 2017

Since its 2010 launch the Amarok has set design, engineering, build quality and performance benchmarks, winning worldwide praise. But local sales have consistently been at the tail end of the top 10.

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Hyundai iMax 2017 review

By Mark Oastler · 02 Jun 2017

Hyundai’s contender in the under-$60k people mover segment boasts a decade-long heritage. But it, along with other established people movers, is being clobbered by Kia's acclaimed Carnival.

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