Articles by Mark Oastler

Mark Oastler

Contributing Journalist

Mark Oastler has been a prominent motoring journalist in print and electronic media for more than four 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 reviews and advice pieces for CarsGuide, he is also a feature writer and online TV host for the popular Shannons Club website.

Nissan Pathfinder 2024 review: Ti

By Mark Oastler · 06 Nov 2023

While its main three-row large SUV competitors stick with a traditionally rugged 'body-on-frame' design, Nissan's Pathfinder follows the unitary 'monocoque' chassis path. Maybe that's a factor off-road, but how does this eight-seater perform on day-to-day family duty? Contributing Journalist, Mark Oastler assesses everything from safety and practicality to economy and design to find out.

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Ford Ranger 2024 review: Wildtrak X - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 01 Nov 2023

The Ranger Wildtrak X was a popular option in the last generation version of Ford's popular dual cab ute, so, no surprise it's back for an encore performance as a special edition in the current generation model. Does its extra equipment make it a better workhorse and are the extra dollars required to acquire it justified? Contributing Journalist Mark Oastler provides the answers.

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Isuzu D-Max 2024 review: 4x2 SX Crew Cab Chassis (1.9L) High Ride long-term | Part 2

By Mark Oastler · 26 Oct 2023

Some surprises this month as the D-Max's 1.9-litre turbo diesel four punches above its weight in terms of load-lugging and composure under pressure, not to mention fuel economy.

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Peugeot e-Partner 2024 review: GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 13 Oct 2023

The first pure electric vehicle offered by Peugeot in Australia is a light commercial van. The e-Partner is a small, front-wheel drive EV designed for city operation in terms of its power, size and range. We've tradie tested it, including a full load assessment.

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Iveco Daily E6 2024 review: 50C cab chassis (with tray) auto - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 27 Sep 2023

Iveco may not be a volume player in the heavier end of the light commercial market, but that doesn't mean it's not worth considering. We've put a nicely optioned example of the Daily E6 50C cab chassis to the GVM test and assessed its liveability on the job with impressive results.

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Isuzu D-Max 2024 review: 4x2 SX Crew Cab Chassis (1.9L) High Ride long-term | Part 1

By Mark Oastler · 25 Sep 2023

The current-generation Isuzu D-Max has been a sales success, with buyers flocking to showrooms for the Toyota HiLux rival. But while many are opting for higher-spec 4x4 versions, there also exists this SX 4x2. We're spending three months with the dual-cab to find out if it's under-appreciated.

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Iveco Daily E6 2024 review: 35S Van auto - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 11 Sep 2023

Time is money and big commercial vans need to be capable, comfortable and reliable. Not to mention safe, economical and tough. Italian light and heavy commercial vehicle brand Iveco has built a solid reputation in the Aussie market, and we've put its Daily E6 35S van to the tradie test. We've discovered what it's like to live with and drive with a GVM-threatening load in the back?

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Chevrolet Silverado 2024 review: ZR2 - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 24 Aug 2023

Once an exotic oddity, now a more common sight on Aussie roads, full-size American pick-up trucks have the tough looks and luxo spec, but can they cut it when it comes to hard work? Mark Oastler spent a week with the 6.2-litre V8-powered Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 to find out.

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Mahindra PikUp 2024 review: S11

By Mark Oastler · 09 Aug 2023

Mahindra's evergreen Pik-Up dual cab ute is a tough, budget-friendly workhorse, particularly popular in rural areas. And now for the first time since its arrival back in 2007 it's available with an auto transmission. Is it a better bet than a Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux?

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Ford Ranger 2023 review: Raptor - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 25 Jul 2023

We know Ford's Ranger Raptor dual cab ute is all about peak performance off-road, but how does it stack up as a hard-working load carrier? We've lived with it as a daily driver for a week and put it to the load test to find out.

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