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

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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