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

Ford Ranger 2024 review: XL 4x2 Double Cab - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 15 Jan 2024

While Ford's show pony Ranger Wildtrak and Raptor grab the headlines their hard-working 4x2 siblings are quietly getting on with the job. We've put the Ranger XL 4x2 Double Cab to the fully-loaded TradieGuide test to see how it stacks up under pressure.

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Toyota HiLux 2024 review: GR Sport - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 15 Dec 2023

Toyota's GR (Gazoo Racing) performance brand is spreading across the Japanese giant's line-up. Even the HiLux ute is getting in the act with a GR Sport variant designed to take the fight up to Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Raptor. But what's it like as a work truck?

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Isuzu D-Max 2024 review: 4x2 SX Crew Cab Chassis (1.9L) High Ride long-term | Part 3

By Mark Oastler · 05 Dec 2023

Towing a caravan is our final long-term test exercise for the 1.9-litre 4x2 version of the Isuzu D-Max, and it's performance, not to mention fuel-economy, raises questions about the worth of the 3.0L version.

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Ford Everest 2024 review: Ambiente 2.0 Bi-Turbo RWD

By Mark Oastler · 24 Nov 2023

Large SUVs with seven-seat capacity often tend to go hand-in-hand with four-wheel drive. Particularly when the SUV in question is a rugged, body-on-frame design. But what if you don't need that capability, or the extra weight and additional cost that goes with it? Enter Ford's Everest Ambiente 2.0L RWD. We've family tested the Isuzu MU-X, Mazda CX-9 and Toyota LandCruiser Prado rival.

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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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