Browse over 9,000 car reviews

    guides

    adventureguide

    evguide

    familyguide

    tradieguide

    urbanguide

    0 Logout

    Browse over 9,000 car reviews

    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.

    Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo 2025 review: GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 07 Apr 2025
    The fully electric Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo has muscular retro-modern styling and sporty dynamics, but is it a genuine alternative to traditional turbo-diesels in Australia's mid-size (2.5-3.5-tonne GVM) commercial van segment?
    Read the article
    GWM Cannon Alpha 2025 review: Ultra Hybrid - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 18 Mar 2025
    GWM won the race to launch Australia's first full-hybrid ute, but does it have what it takes to topple the traditional turbo-diesel?
    Read the article
    Volkswagen Caddy Cargo 2025 review: TDI320
    By Mark Oastler · 08 Mar 2025
    The VW Caddy Cargo has long been a favourite in Australia's light-commercial vehicle market, but does it still set the benchmark for small vans in Australia?
    Read the article
    Renault Trafic 2025 review: Pro LWB automatic - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 19 Feb 2025
    We often see Renault Trafics hard at work in a variety of trade and delivery roles, even though they represent a relatively small slice of Australia's booming mid-sized van market. So, is this capable French van worthy of luring more buyers away from the dominant Toyota HiAce?
    Read the article
    Mercedes-Benz Vito 2025 review: 119 LWB Panel Van - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 07 Feb 2025
    The latest MY25 Vito van range brings updated styling and numerous standard equipment upgrades. However, is our 119 LWB Panel Van test vehicle worth its high purchase price and servicing costs?
    Read the article
    Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2025 review: 417CDI MWB Panel Van - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 27 Jan 2025
    A recent overhaul of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter range brings extra safety technologies and new comfort and convenience features to the Heavy Commercial vehicle segment, but do these upgrades justify the high purchase/servicing costs of this popular German workhorse?
    Read the article
    Renault Kangoo 2025 review: SWB petrol auto
    By Mark Oastler · 15 Jan 2025
    Renault's Kangoo has for many years been a popular choice for small van buyers in Australia. The 2024 release of the third-generation model was keenly anticipated, but does the latest petrol-powered model set a new benchmark?
    Read the article
    Renault Kangoo 2025 review: E-Tech - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 20 Dec 2024
    Renault has recently joined its French rival Peugeot in offering a full-electric small van in Australia. However, given its high purchase price, does it bring enough value in other ways to be a genuine alternative to VW's enduringly popular Caddy Cargo range?
    Read the article
    Peugeot E-Expert 2025 review: Pro Long Auto - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 13 Dec 2024
    The Peugeot E-Expert brings zero tailpipe emissions to the mid-sized commercial van class with its fully electric drivetrain, but does its high purchase price deliver more than just clean air credentials?
    Read the article
    KGM SsangYong Musso 2025 review: XLV Ultimate Luxury Pack - GVM test
    By Mark Oastler · 27 Nov 2024
    There are many different makes and models to choose from in today's highly competitive 4x4 dual-cab ute market. For those prepared to look beyond the major players, is the KGM SsangYong Musso XLV Ultimate Luxury Pack the bargain its low drive-away pricing would suggest?
    Read the article