Holden Astra vs Suzuki Swift
What's the difference?

Holden Astra

$4,500 - $20,990

2018 price

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Suzuki Swift

$16,999 - $35,635

2024 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

2024 Suzuki Swift

By Peter Anderson

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Inline 3, 1.2L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

5.8L/100km (combined)

3.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Good to drive
Good looking
Well-specced

Mild-hybrid fun and efficiency
Excellent interior packaging
Affordable pricing

Dislikes

Missing rear seat amenities
Smallish fuel tank
Awkward pedal position

Needs 95 RON premium unleaded
Spare wheel now an option
Base model loses seat-height adjustment

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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2024 Suzuki Swift Summary

Few cars have had the sheer staying power of the Suzuki Swift.

Except for a four-year hiatus as the original Ignis from 2001, the Japanese supermini has been a segment mainstay since 1983, winning over consumers worldwide as an inexpensive, economical and reliable yet fun option in the Toyota Yaris class.

In Australia, its impact has been even more profound, providing Holden with its famous “beep-beep” Barina for two early iterations from 1985, while also introducing us to the pocket rocket decades before the Volkswagen Polo GTI, with the Swift GTi of 1986.

Now there’s this – the sixth-gen model in 41 years if you exclude that Ignis – doing what the little Suzuki has always done: offering buyers a great budget alternative. But this time, in this new-electrification era, where precious few attainable choices remain.

Is it any good? Let’s dive straight in.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Holden Astra 2024 Suzuki Swift

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

So, there you have it. A brief look at the new, sixth-gen Swift.

Better where it needs to be, the supermini survivor still remains competitively priced, with loads of new efficiency and safety tech that buyers will appreciate.

But, most of all, the Suzuki still feels, drives and rewards like the old model used to. It just does so with more sophistication.

As inexpensive city cars continue to fade, the new Swift continues 41 years of providing a fun, affordable and dependable solution, in a vibrant and desirable package.

Holden Astra vs Suzuki Swift What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Holden Astra vs Suzuki Swift
What's the difference?