I agree, despite being at similar price points at the time, they are not exactly the same class of vehicle, to me it's a bit of wank comparison...
If it were 3 years later, I'd say the XR5T would've pasted the TS SRiT without a doubt, as they would be in the same class, ie. comparing apples with apples and also priced similar, whereas car mags always throw together whatever they have on hand at the time just for the sake of making an article and selling magazines...
I've extensively driven the LV XR5T even wanted to buy one at one stage, they are a much better drive than both the TS and AH SRiT Astras IMHO and I'm not being biased as I totally love my TS turbo vert