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 Cannon 2025 review: Ultra - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 22 Jun 2025

The GWM Cannon has always offered great value for money with high levels of standard equipment at low prices. In 2025 it's shifted up a gear with a larger engine, benchmark towing and numerous other enhancements, so is that what's needed to topple the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux?

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Ram 1500 2025 review: Laramie Sport - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 19 May 2025

The latest Ram 1500 range swaps traditional Hemi V8 power for a new twin-turbocharged straight six offering more power and torque. So, how does the new 'Hurricane' engine perform in a working role?

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Mazda BT-50 2025 review: XTR Cab Chassis - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 07 May 2025

The Mazda BT-50 boasts good looks and solid Isuzu engineering, so how does it measure up as a tradie's tool-of-trade in cab-chassis form?

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BYD Shark 6 2025 review - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 27 Apr 2025

The BYD Shark 6 brings advanced plug-in electric/petrol engine hybrid technology to Australia's 4x4 ute segment. But does it have the robust workhorse capabilities of traditional turbo-diesel rivals?

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Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo 2025 review: GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 07 Apr 2025

The fully electric Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo has muscular retro-modern styling and sporty dynamics, but is it a genuine alternative to traditional turbo-diesels in Australia's mid-size (2.5-3.5-tonne GVM) commercial van segment?

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GWM Cannon Alpha 2025 review: Ultra Hybrid - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 18 Mar 2025

GWM won the race to launch Australia's first full-hybrid ute, but does it have what it takes to topple the traditional turbo-diesel?

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Volkswagen Caddy Cargo 2025 review: TDI320

By Mark Oastler · 08 Mar 2025

The VW Caddy Cargo has long been a favourite in Australia's light-commercial vehicle market, but does it still set the benchmark for small vans in Australia?

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Renault Trafic 2025 review: Pro LWB automatic - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 19 Feb 2025

We often see Renault Trafics hard at work in a variety of trade and delivery roles, even though they represent a relatively small slice of Australia's booming mid-sized van market. So, is this capable French van worthy of luring more buyers away from the dominant Toyota HiAce?

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Mercedes-Benz Vito 2025 review: 119 LWB Panel Van - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 07 Feb 2025

The latest MY25 Vito van range brings updated styling and numerous standard equipment upgrades. However, is our 119 LWB Panel Van test vehicle worth its high purchase price and servicing costs?

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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2025 review: 417CDI MWB Panel Van - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 27 Jan 2025

A recent overhaul of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter range brings extra safety technologies and new comfort and convenience features to the Heavy Commercial vehicle segment, but do these upgrades justify the high purchase/servicing costs of this popular German workhorse?

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