Articles by Mark Oastler

For tradies, mid-sized commercial vans (2.5 to 3.5-tonne GVM) are like warehouses on wheels given they can offer up to 6.0 cubic metres or more of secure load volume.

The Mitsubishi Triton cab-chassis in base-grade GLX trim is clearly aimed at buyers wanting a turbo-diesel ute that's primarily designed for hard work, but does it tick all the boxes for tradies?

The Tundra full-size pick-up was launched in its native USA a quarter of a century ago, yet it's taken that long for the big American to finally be available in Aussie Toyota showrooms. So, has the much anticipated right-hand-drive version been worth the wait?

The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV has recently replaced its ground-breaking Hybrid predecessor, but does the newcomer's rechargeable battery tech and electric-only driving mode enhance or hinder its workhorse practicality?

The number of Chinese players in Australia’s 4x4 ute market continues to rise, with BYD, GWM and LDV recently joined by JAC Motors (Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Company Ltd) with its T9 offering.

Iveco’s E6 Daily van and cab-chassis range recently welcomed an electric twin in the form of its new eDaily variant. Launched in Europe in late 2022, it represents the first Iveco full-electric vehicle range to be offered in Australia.Being based on the conventional diesel Daily ensures eDaily customers will be familiar with the specifications and features of these vehicles in either van or cab chassis form.The eDaily also ensures a seamless transition for commercial bodybuilders, given that its main electrical components sit wholly within the conventional chassis frame and the body-mounting positions are unchanged.We recently spent a working week with the full-electric model to assess its credentials for not only tradie duties but also door-to-door distribution, cold-chain logistics and many other job requirements at the Light Duty end of the Heavy Commercial vehicle market.

BMW's X3 is one of the German manufacturer's most successful models in terms of sales volume. So, does the premium offering in the latest G45 generation hit another sweet-spot for families wanting sporty practicality?

The GWM Cannon has always offered great value for money with high levels of standard equipment at low prices. In 2025 it's shifted up a gear with a larger engine, benchmark towing and numerous other enhancements, so is that what's needed to topple the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux?

The latest Ram 1500 range swaps traditional Hemi V8 power for a new twin-turbocharged straight six offering more power and torque. So, how does the new 'Hurricane' engine perform in a working role?

The Mazda BT-50 boasts good looks and solid Isuzu engineering, so how does it measure up as a tradie's tool-of-trade in cab-chassis form?