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.

Chevrolet Silverado 2024 review: 2500 HD - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 03 Jul 2024

Chevrolet's Silverado 2500 HD is in a full-size pick-up battle with Ford's F-150 and the RAM 2500. We know it's big and powerful but how does it cope with a typical working load? And what about navigating day-to-day city traffic? Specialist contributor Mark Oastler puts this heavy hauler through its paces to answer these questions and a whole lot more.

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Foton T5 2024 review: Pantech

By Mark Oastler · 21 Jun 2024

Electric passengers cars are everywhere these days, and electric utes are on the horizon, but there are already a few electric light trucks available. This new one, the Foton T5, aims to take the shine off the forthcoming Isuzu N Series EV, but does China's latest commercial offering deliver the goods?

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Volkswagen Amarok 2024 review: Core - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 28 May 2024

The new-gen Volkswagen Amarok has been on sale for about a year now so it's time to give the entry-level Core a run through to see exactly how tradie-friendly it is compared with its rivals.

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Nissan Patrol 2024 review: Warrior Ti

By Mark Oastler · 26 May 2024

The Nissan Patrol is an evergreen offering in the Australian large SUV/4WD market with dedicated fans loving its comfort, off-road ability and effortless naturally-aspirated V8 performance. Mark Oastler has been spending time with the Warrior Ti, a more adventurous locally re-engineered model, to see how it stacks up as day-to-day family transport.

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Mitsubishi Triton 2024 review: GLS - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 23 May 2024

The Mitsubishi Triton has been a solid seller in Australia since the first generation L200 was launched in the late 1970s. We were recently handed the keys to assess the 'New-Gen' Triton from a tradie's perspective, to see if it has what it takes to challenge for top spot in the local ute wars.

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GWM Ute 2024 review: Cannon XSR long-term | Part 3

By Mark Oastler · 14 May 2024

From towing and off-road crawling to carrying heavy loads and day-to-day family duty Mark Oastler has put the GWM Ute Cannon XSR dual cab 4WD ute through its paces over three months. Now it's time for his final verdict.

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Mitsubishi Outlander 2024 review: Exceed

By Mark Oastler · 16 Apr 2024

Offered in one of the most hotly-contested segments in the Australian new car market, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a family-friendly medium SUV, including occasional seating for two in its third row for '5+2' capacity. The Exceed is at the more premium end of the range and we've put it to the household test.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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