Articles by Mark Oastler
7 April 2025 by Mark Oastler
Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz not only draws nostalgic styling inspiration from the iconic ‘Kombi’ van of the 1950s and ‘60s. Like the original, it also has its engine located at the back driving the rear wheels, which optimises traction and minimises drivetrain noise for the driver. However, that’s where...Read more
18 March 2025 by Mark Oastler
The 4x4 dual cab ute is rapidly being reimagined by Chinese manufacturers, not only in terms of innovative hybrid drivetrains but also standard luxury that would satisfy the most fastidious prestige car buyer. And all at prices lower than premium offerings from established players. One of these...Read more
8 March 2025 by Mark Oastler
The venerable VW Caddy was launched in 1979 and after five generations and more than four decades of service, it remains one of the world’s most popular range of small vans. In Australia’s light-commercial vehicle market, the Caddy’s work-focused Cargo model competes in the small van (under 2.5-...Read more
19 February 2025 by Mark Oastler
After more than four decades in production and global sales exceeding 2.2 million units, the Trafic has established a loyal following in Australia. In fact, according to Renault, Australia is the largest market for its popular mid-sized van outside of Europe. Perhaps this is not surprising given...Read more
7 February 2025 by Mark Oastler
The latest VS20 Vito range, comprising Vito/eVito light commercials and Tourer/V-Class people movers, brings the first major facelift to Mercedes-Benz’s mid-sized (2.5-3.5-tonne GVM) van since 2015, along with numerous comfort, convenience, technology and safety upgrades. The workhorse fleet is...Read more
27 January 2025 by Mark Oastler
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has long been a formidable competitor in the Light Duty (3501-8000kg GVM) division of Australia’s highly competitive Heavy Commercial vehicle market. The popular range offers a choice of panel van, cab-chassis and minibus body styles, four turbo - diesel engine variants (...Read more
15 January 2025 by Mark Oastler
The small van segment (Under 2.5-tonne GVM) is one of the smallest in Australia’s light commercial vehicle market, as it currently caters for only three contenders, the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo, Peugeot Partner and Renault Kangoo. Although total sales in this category are a fraction of those achieved...Read more
20 December 2024 by Mark Oastler
Small commercial vans (Under 2.5-tonne GVM) are well suited to full electric drivetrains. Given their relatively small payload ratings and external dimensions, these vans are ideal for light short-haul deliveries in congested urban settings, as they can easily negotiate narrow city laneways and...Read more
13 December 2024 by Mark Oastler
French manufacturer Peugeot is at the cutting edge of electric commercial vans in Australia, having introduced its E-Partner small van (under 2.5-tonnes GVM) in 2023 before recently adding its new E-Expert in the popular mid-size segment (2.5 to 3.5-tonne GVM). We recently spent a working week...Read more
27 November 2024 by Mark Oastler
What new 4x4 dual-cab ute can you buy for $50K these days? Well, if you want to stick with the major players, $50K will only get you into base-model workhorses like the Ford Ranger XL 2.0L auto ($50,880), Toyota HiLux Workmate 2.4L auto ($50,420) or Isuzu D-Max SX ($50,700). And that's list pricing...Read more
14 November 2024 by Mark Oastler
Volkswagen’s Caddy Life seven-seater combines compact dimensions with efficient use of internal space and seating flexibility to deliver an effective combination of comfort and utility. We recently spent a week with the premium model to see if this people-mover can meet the diverse requirements of...Read more
22 October 2024 by Mark Oastler
Latest VFACTS new vehicle registration figures show that in 2024 the Toyota HiAce one-tonne van commands more than 46 per cent of the 2.5 to 3.5-tonne GVM segment. In other words, almost every second new mid-sized van sold in Australia is a HiAce, leaving numerous competitors from Korean, European...Read more
11 October 2024 by Mark Oastler
Hyundai has established a reputation for quality light commercial vans in Australia, thanks largely to the solid foundations laid by the iLoad one-tonner launched locally in 2007. For more than a decade it proved to be a popular alternative to Toyota’s dominant HiAce in the 2.5-3.5-tonne GVM van...Read more
28 September 2024 by Mark Oastler
Judging by the latest VFacts new vehicle registration data, most Aussie 4x4 ute buyers continue to overlook the D23 Nissan Navara. With only a 4.5 per cent share of this booming market segment, its sales numbers are perhaps a symptom of its age (launched locally in 2015), lapsed ANCAP rating and...Read more
5 September 2024 by Mark Oastler
Those looking to buy a mid-sized (2.5 to 3.5-tonne GVM) commercial van are spoilt for choice, as there are currently 11 models from nine manufacturers competing for your business. Latest VFACTS industry figures show that Toyota’s HiAce continues to dominate this segment with a staggering 46 per...Read more
2 September 2024 by Mark Oastler
Since its launch in the 1960s, the iconic HiLux has been one of Toyota’s strongest-selling models. The current eighth-generation continues that tradition, even though now in its ninth year in local showrooms and having lost its long-held 4x4 sales leadership to Ford’s Ranger. Toyota has done a...Read more
4 August 2024 by Mark Oastler
Sole traders, SMEs, transport companies and corporate fleets are potential customers LDV is aiming at with its new eDeliver7 electric van range, which competes in Australia’s mid-sized (2.5-3.5-tonne GVM) commercial van segment. The Chinese manufacturer claims the eDeliver7’s combination of quiet...Read more
27 July 2024 by Mark Oastler
GMSV offers three RHD Chevrolet Silverado models in Australia, comprising the 1500 ZR2 and LTZ Premium plus the 2500 HD (Heavy Duty). All are tailor-made for heavy towing duties. The 1500 models are better suited to urban life than the gargantuan 2500 HD, given that their shorter wheelbases and...Read more
12 July 2024 by Mark Oastler
If you’re looking for a heavy duty 4x4 wagon that can tackle the toughest off-road terrain and haul heavy loads with equal competence, there’s a handful of models derived from 4x4 one-tonne utes that can deliver. Sharing the same rugged truck-style construction, with a wagon body mounted on a...Read more