Articles by Mark Oastler
23 June 2020 by Mark Oastler
4x4 utes have become essential tools for many tradies, as their rugged...Read more
1 June 2020 by Mark Oastler
Encouraged by booming local sales of the RAM 1500 through Ateco Automotive/American Special Vehicles, the Walkinshaw Automotive Group (WAG) has expanded its local RHD re-manufacturing capacity to include the similar-sized Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Unlike the RAM, the Silverado is sold exclusively...Read more
29 May 2020 by Mark Oastler
Few automotive topics generate more debate than the pros and cons of...Read more
21 May 2020 by Mark Oastler
The Mazda BT-50 had a difficult birth as a Ford Ranger clone in 2011, largely because its elaborate styling didn't seem to know if it was meant to be a car or a truck. However, over the near-decade that has followed, Mazda has done a commendable job through styling tweaks in making the BT-50 look...Read more
11 May 2020 by Mark Oastler
Driving an overloaded vehicle is dangerous and illegal. Beyond the...Read more
5 May 2020 by Mark Oastler
How do you choose the best vehicle for towing a caravan? If you’re just starting out in the world of caravan towing and trying to decide what would make the best tow vehicle, the best place to start is not with the tow vehicle but with the caravan it needs to tow. In other words, you need to put...Read more
30 April 2020 by Mark Oastler
Hardcore Aussie off-roaders love manual transmissions for their mechanical simplicity, ability to bump-start an engine with a flat battery and a more direct connection between man and machine when tackling the toughest terrain. In fact, according to VW Commercial Vehicles Australia, it was constant...Read more
17 April 2020 by Mark Oastler
The RAM 1500 stands apart from Australia’s mainstream pack of turbo-diesel dual cab utes, with its muscular Hemi V8 performance, superior 4.5-tonne tow rating and imposing presence. In fact, RAM Trucks Australia proudly claims that its big, brash American pick-up “eats utes for breakfast.” After a...Read more
6 April 2020 by Mark Oastler
If you’re in the market for a ute, what does $20K buy you these days?...Read more
31 March 2020 by Mark Oastler
The growing popularity of mid-sized commercial vans equipped with seating for five or six, generically known as crew vans, has seen an increasing number of rivals from mainstream manufacturers enter the market with a second row of seats. One of the more recent competitors is the Ford Transit Custom...Read more
17 March 2020 by Mark Oastler
There’s an old saying that if you want to become really good at something, then just keep doing it. That certainly applies to Ford and its iconic Transit van, which following its launch in 1965 has evolved through four generations, an expanded choice of variants and total production of around 10...Read more
13 March 2020 by Mark Oastler
Mark Oastler is spending three months with the Isuzu MU-X LS-T to see how it suits his family's needs. Read More: Isuzu MU-X 2020 review: LS-TRead more
2 March 2020 by Mark Oastler
You may have seen utes, trucks and buses with brightly-coloured caps or...Read more
2 March 2020 by Mark Oastler
The 4x4 dual-cab ute is the most popular and versatile light commercial vehicle in the Australian automotive market, due to its proven ability to serve as both a work truck and/or family hack during the week and escape machine on the weekend. However, not everyone needs high-riding off-road ability...Read more
17 February 2020 by Mark Oastler
The Renault Kangoo is the closest competitor to Volkswagen’s top-selling Caddy in Australia’s small van segment (under-2.5 tonne GVM). In 2020 the enduringly popular German light commercial holds a commanding 72 per cent share of this market, compared to the Kangoo’s 21 per cent. However, such a...Read more
31 January 2020 by Mark Oastler
Toyota’s current sixth-generation HiAce is an impressive all-rounder, offering a choice of wheelbases, body styles and engine/transmission combinations. These include four-cylinder turbo-diesel and V6 petrol engines with either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. We've previously...Read more
24 January 2020 by Mark Oastler
Toyota’s 70 Series Land Cruiser is unique in the Australian 4x4 market. With Mercedes-Benz’s decision to cease local sales of its $120K G-Professional in 2019, the LC79 is now the only single-cab cab-chassis off-roader available with the unmatched strength, durability and off-road performance of ‘...Read more
6 January 2020 by Mark Oastler
Ford is a making a habit of providing answers to questions that have not been asked. First there was the Baja-inspired Ranger Raptor, a unique version of Australia’s favourite Ford ute with pumped-out guards, a tougher frame and sublime long-travel suspension inspired by ‘pre-runner’ pick-ups used...Read more
26 December 2019 by Mark Oastler
Aussie drivers love their 4x4 dual cab utes and it seems they can’t get enough of the premium models. Demand for these top-shelf offerings, with pricing above $60,000, has been running hot over the past two to three years with no signs of cooling any time soon. Market leader Toyota’s flagship is...Read more