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.

Based in Melbourne, his diverse roles have included more than a decade of motorsport 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, 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.

Expertise

Light-commercial vehicles
Motorsport history
Classic cars and motorcycles

Experience

2021 Motorsport Australia Media Service Award
Multiple Dunlop Media Award winner (TV)

Featured publications

Wheels
Motor
Auto Action
Unique Cars
V8X
Suncorp
Street Machine | 1996-1999
Australian Muscle Car | 2002-2011
Shannons Club | 2012-present
CarsGuide | 2016-present

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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Renault Kangoo 2025 review: SWB petrol auto

By Mark Oastler · 15 Jan 2025

Renault's Kangoo has for many years been a popular choice for small van buyers in Australia. The 2024 release of the third-generation model was keenly anticipated, but does the latest petrol-powered model set a new benchmark?

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Renault Kangoo 2025 review: E-Tech - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 20 Dec 2024

Renault has recently joined its French rival Peugeot in offering a full-electric small van in Australia. However, given its high purchase price, does it bring enough value in other ways to be a genuine alternative to VW's enduringly popular Caddy Cargo range?

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Peugeot E-Expert 2025 review: Pro Long Auto - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 13 Dec 2024

The Peugeot E-Expert brings zero tailpipe emissions to the mid-sized commercial van class with its fully electric drivetrain, but does its high purchase price deliver more than just clean air credentials?

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KGM SsangYong Musso 2025 review: XLV Ultimate Luxury Pack - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 27 Nov 2024

There are many different makes and models to choose from in today's highly competitive 4x4 dual-cab ute market. For those prepared to look beyond the major players, is the KGM SsangYong Musso XLV Ultimate Luxury Pack the bargain its low drive-away pricing would suggest?

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Volkswagen Caddy 2025 review: Maxi Life TDI320

By Mark Oastler · 14 Nov 2024

The people-mover segment of the Australian new car market is dominated by Kia's Carnival eight-seater. However, there are smaller seven-seat alternatives like Volkswagen's Caddy Life, but does it have the interior space and versatility Aussie families need?

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Toyota HiAce 2025 review: LWB - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 22 Oct 2024

The Toyota HiAce dominates new one-tonne van sales in Australia by a staggering margin. So, is there more to this workhorse than just unshakeable customer loyalty to the trusted Toyota badge?

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Hyundai Staria Load 2025 review: Premium Liftback

By Mark Oastler · 11 Oct 2024

For any light commercial van in the Aussie new vehicle market putting a dent in the Toyota's HiAce's sales dominance is a tall order. But Hyundai is chipping away with its Staria Load tested here for load-carrying ability and and broader capabilities.

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