Holden Astra vs Lexus LS
What's the difference?

Holden Astra

$4,500 - $20,990

2018 price

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Lexus LS

—

2023 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 2

Mazda 3

Mazda 6

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2018 Holden Astra

2023 Lexus LS

By Peter Anderson

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Twin Turbo V6, 3.4L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.8L/100km (combined)

10.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Good to drive
Good looking
Well-specced

Business class interior
Japanese feel and quality
Thumping turbo V6

Dislikes

Missing rear seat amenities
Smallish fuel tank
Awkward pedal position

Feels a bit old-fashioned to drive
The hybrid would be nicer to be driven in
Dated multimedia software

2018 Holden Astra Summary

Holden's current Astra is the second go the car has had in this country, after first being badged an Opel to the sounds of crickets from the buying public. That hubristic exercise was followed by a brief withdrawal from the Australian market before returning, rather more sensibly badged (and sensibly-priced) as a Holden.

It chugged along quite nicely in 2017. It didn't break any records, no, but regularly broke the 1000 units per month mark to end up with about five percent of the small car market, which it shares with some serious competition from Europe and Japan.

The + in R+ means more safety, but also more money. Safety is good, but do you get anything else for your money?

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2023 Lexus LS Summary

Surprisingly, for people who would rather be driven than drive themselves, there are quite a few options available in the large luxury sedan market.

While on the whole sedans have fallen from favour, this niche corner of the market continues to let the three-box design thrive.

The options here have changed a bit in the last few years, though, so how does the Lexus flagship, the LS fit into the picture? I drove one around for a week to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Holden Astra 2023 Lexus LS

Verdict

The Astra's biggest problem is probably the Holden badge. Despite the company's best efforts, some buyers are wary of the company's longevity and some of the other cars in the range do the Astra no favours - Trax, Colorado and Barina feel cheap, because they are. The Astra isn't cheaply made and holds up very well in excellent company.

Verdict

The LS500 is the least logical version of the most logical option in the ultimate luxury sedan segment in which logic doesn’t often apply at all.

Take from that what you will, but if it was me being driven around I would definitely be opting for the hybrid version of the LS instead for its smooth electrified driving characteristics and lower operating costs.

Holden Astra vs Lexus LS What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Holden Astra vs Lexus LS
What's the difference?