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    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.

    Isuzu N-Series 2022 review: NPR 45/55-155 Tradepack
    By Mark Oastler · 04 Jul 2022
    Isuzu offers a convenient ready-to-work option for tradies with its appropriately named 'Tradepack' based on the popular N-Series range, available in a choice of wheelbases and either 4500kg or 5500kg GVM ratings. The lower weight rating can be driven using a standard car licence, so we recently put one of these well-equipped trucks to the test to see how it measures up as a heavy-duty workhorse.
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    Isuzu N-Series 2022 review: NLR Servicepack
    By Mark Oastler · 22 Jun 2022
    For many tradies and mobile service providers, a single cab one-tonne ute in cab-chassis form is a versatile platform that can be equipped to suit virtually any task, from off-the-shelf drop-side trays to complete custom-made canopies and service bodies.
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    Hyundai Staria-Load 2022 review: Crew Van - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 26 May 2022
    The Hyundai iLoad, in both single-cab and crew van variants, established a large and loyal customer base in Australia's mid-sized (2.5-3.5 tonne GVM) commercial van market between 2008 and 2021. Its replacement, the Staria-Load, takes a more high-tech approach and offers better comfort and convenience than ever before.
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    LDV T60 Max 2022 review: Luxe auto - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 03 May 2022
    LDV, a division of China's largest automotive manufacturer SAIC Motor, has been selling its T60 ute in Australia since 2017, during which time it's established a solid foothold in the low-priced ute segment against similar rivals from China (GWM) and Korea (Ssangyong).
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    Mazda BT-50 2022 review: XS 1.9 dual cab - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 19 Apr 2022
    The latest generation of Mazda's workhorse has clearly benefitted from the company's joint venture with truck manufacturer Isuzu, resulting in the BT-50 sharing the latest D-Max ute's rugged 4x2 and 4x4 underpinnings and body hard-points.
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    Isuzu D-Max 2022 review: LS-U 4x4 auto - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 21 Mar 2022
    Isuzu's popular RG range of D-Max 4x4 dual cab utes comprises four model grades which ascend from the work-focused SX to the better-equipped LS-M, more upmarket LS-U and premium X-Terrain.
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    Isuzu D-Max 2022 review: 1.9-litre SX single cab-chassis 4x2 auto - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 02 Mar 2022
    The Toyota HiLux partly owes its enviable status as Australia's most popular ute to its long-standing dominance of 4x2 sales, which mostly attract ABN-armed tradies and fleet buyers chasing rugged no-frills workhorses with low purchase and operating costs combined with strong resale values.
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    Toyota HiAce 2022 review: LWB diesel auto GL Package - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 23 Feb 2022
    When the current HiAce was launched in 2019, it was a no-brainer that this sixth-generation model would continue - or probably increase - Toyota's long-standing dominance of Australia's mid-sized (2.5-3.5 tonne GVM) commercial van market.
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    Can a P-plater tow a trailer?
    By Mark Oastler · 02 Feb 2022
    Can a red P-plater tow a trailer? Can a green P-plater tow a trailer? The simple answer is yes. However, like so many laws imposed by state and territory governments, towing regulations for P-plate drivers are not nationally consistent (that would be far too easy). So, it’s important to know how these rules are applied, depending on where you live.
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    Nissan Navara 2022 review: Pro-4X Warrior - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 02 Feb 2022
    Ford's desert racing-inspired Ranger Raptor was clearly the catalyst for Nissan Australia to create a tougher and more specialised 'Warrior' version of its D23 Navara. However, unlike the Raptor which is designed and developed in-house by Ford, Nissan has partnered with Melbourne-based automotive engineering specialist Premcar to meet its design requirements.
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