Browse over 9,000 car reviews

    guides

    adventureguide

    evguide

    familyguide

    tradieguide

    urbanguide

    0 Logout

    Browse over 9,000 car reviews

    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.

    GWM Ute 2024 review: Cannon-XSR long-term | Part 2
    By Mark Oastler · 03 Apr 2024
    In this second long-term update Mark Oastler loads in a heavy payload to test the GWM Ute Cannon XSR's hard-working credentials.
    Read the article
    SsangYong Rexton 2024 review: Adventure
    By Mark Oastler · 27 Mar 2024
    SsangYong is the 'other' Korean carmaker with a range of 4x4 utes and SUVs. The Rexton is one of the brand's long-serving nameplates and the Adventure is a new mid-level grade offering seven-seat SUV buyers a quality, value-focused option. Mark Oastler has put it through its family paces.
    Read the article
    Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series 2024 review: GX 2.8L cab chassis - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 22 Mar 2024
    The Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series has had a major change of heart - literally. While the manual V8 version is technically still on sale, a new automatic four-cylinder model has arrived to satisfy demand for the old-school 4WD. So, how well does its cab-chassis variant handle a load? We've put it to test to find out.
    Read the article
    GWM Ute 2024 review: Cannon-XSR long-term | Part 1
    By Mark Oastler · 11 Mar 2024
    It seems Aussies can't get enough of dual cab utes and GWM aims to cut through the intense competition with a value-for-money focus in its full-size, dual-cab Cannon. Mark Oastler and his family have started a three-month stint with the XRS grade and so far, in this first instalment the experience has been revealing.
    Read the article
    Ford F-150 2024 review: Lariat LWB - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 26 Feb 2024
    The 2024 Ford F-150 has taken the dual-cab pick-up and supersized it in Australia, where mid-size utes - including its Ranger sibling - dominate the sales charts. As we find out in this load test, there are advantages to be had for tradies who decide to go big.
    Read the article
    Mercedes-Benz eVito Panel Van 2024 review: GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 09 Feb 2024
    The mid-size van segment is evolving, with all-electric models emerging left, right and centre. Mercedes-Benz's eVito is one of the newest entrants, but is it up to the challenge of tradie life? The answer is yes... and no.
    Read the article
    BMW X5 2024 review: xDrive40i M Sport
    By Mark Oastler · 24 Jan 2024
    Over 25 years and four generations BMW's X5 has evolved from question mark to benchmark. Initially considered a shocking departure from the Bavarian maker's established performance sedan and sports car formula, today it stands as a segment-leader against which other premium five-seat SUVs are judged. Here Mark Oastler family tests the mid-range xDrive40i s to see if it's still up to the mark?
    Read the article
    Ford Ranger 2024 review: XL 4x2 Double Cab - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 15 Jan 2024
    While Ford's show pony Ranger Wildtrak and Raptor grab the headlines their hard-working 4x2 siblings are quietly getting on with the job. We've put the Ranger XL 4x2 Double Cab to the fully-loaded TradieGuide test to see how it stacks up under pressure.
    Read the article
    Toyota HiLux 2024 review: GR Sport - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 15 Dec 2023
    Toyota's GR (Gazoo Racing) performance brand is spreading across the Japanese giant's line-up. Even the HiLux ute is getting in the act with a GR Sport variant designed to take the fight up to Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Raptor. But what's it like as a work truck?
    Read the article
    Isuzu D-Max 2024 review: 4x2 SX Crew Cab Chassis (1.9L) High Ride long-term | Part 3
    By Mark Oastler · 05 Dec 2023
    Towing a caravan is our final long-term test exercise for the 1.9-litre 4x2 version of the Isuzu D-Max, and it's performance, not to mention fuel-economy, raises questions about the worth of the 3.0L version.
    Read the article