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.

Peugeot Expert 2023 review: Pro - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 19 Sep 2022

Mid-sized (2.5 to 3.5-tonne) commercial van buyers have a variety of makes and models to choose from, even though most buy the venerable HiAce. Latest VFACTS figures confirm Toyota's long-standing dominance, as the HiAce commands just under 40 per cent market share with the remainder spread across ten competitors from Europe, China and Korea.

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Mazda BT-50 2023 review: XTR long-term | Part 1

By Mark Oastler · 14 Sep 2022

The Australian launch of the latest generation BT-50 in June 2020 heralded a significant change for Mazda's ute, as it was the first to 'platform share' with Japanese commercial vehicle giant Isuzu after previous pairings with Ford's Ranger.

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Jeep Gladiator 2023 review: Rubicon - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 14 Sep 2022

The Jeep Wrangler-derived Gladiator dual-cab ute launched here in 2020 is primarily designed with serious off-roading in mind. The premium Rubicon model grade is named in honour of the notorious Rubicon Trail in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, which all Jeep models most conquer before they can display the marque's revered Trail-Rated badge.

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Ford Ranger 2023 review: XLS - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 26 Aug 2022

The then all-new T6 Ford Ranger launched in 2011 was proudly designed and developed in Australia. So, if you ignored the fact it was assembled in Thailand to minimise production costs, it was the closest thing you could get to an 'Aussie' ute and Australian buyers responded in large numbers.

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Peugeot Partner 2023 review: Premium - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 10 Aug 2022

Unlike Australia's mid-size (2.5-3.5 tonne GVM) commercial van segment, where up to a dozen rivals compete for customers, there are currently only three players in the small (under 2.5-tonne GVM) van class, comprising the Volkswagen Caddy, Renault Kangoo - and Peugeot Partner.

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Isuzu MU-X 2022 review: LS-T 4x4 long-term

By Mark Oastler · 03 Aug 2022

The Isuzu MU-X is a ute-based SUV built off the even-more popular D-Max pickup truck, and it's a seven-seater as standard. We've got the top-spec LS-T 4x4 model for a six-month loan as a family truckster, to see what this new-generation MU-X is like to live with.

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Mahindra Pikup 2023 review: 4x4 cab-chassis - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 21 Jul 2022

The Mahindra Group is a $20 billion Indian conglomerate based in Mumbai. It consists of more than 150 companies and has an expansive global reach across 22 different industries in more than 100 countries. Its diverse operations include aerospace, construction/farm/industrial equipment, defence, energy, IT, logistics, real estate and many more.

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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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