These cars cost the same, but there’s one key difference, and one clear option you should choose

Ah, the Vauxhall Astra. It’s hardly the most exciting thing on the road, but as a sensible set of wheels – that actually looks pretty good – it makes for a solid, dependable choice. The problem is, there’s a bit too much choice when it comes to the new Astra. Let me explain.

You’ve long been able to have your Astra in hatchback or estate car flavours (does anyone else remember the gawky old saloon, too?), but in the past you’ve had to pay a premium for the practical Sports Tourer wagon. Now, however, both body styles cost the exact same amount.

Not only that, but you’ll pay the same amount for the electric, self-charging or plug-in hybrid versions, meaning they’re all up for consideration at the same, affordable price point. So the question is, which model should you choose?

Well, the image-conscious amongst you should probably look at the hatchback. Head on, these are both very handsome cars. Fair enough, the Vauxhall badge doesn’t have much cachet these days – so the new light-up fare won’t be to everyone’s taste – but this is a handsome hatchback. Hand-on-heart I received compliments on it from passers by whilst driving through London.

Round the back, however, the Sports Tourer is a little frumpy by comparison. With its longer, bulkier overhang and boxier rear pillars, it just isn’t as sleek or sporty as the hatchback – no matter what the name suggests.

The interiors are almost the same, naturally, but there is a bit more headroom in the back of the estate thanks to the taller roofline. Don’t expect too much space in either model, though, as the Astra doesn’t offer a generous amount of legroom. The biggest difference between the hatch and estate is the boot, naturally, but that varies depending on which version you pick.

For maximum cargo capacity, the hybrid estate is king with 597 litres of boot space. The Sports Tourer Electric and plug-in drop that down to 516 litres on account of the extra batteries under the floor.

That’s still well ahead of the 422 litres in the hybrid hatchback, or the tiny (by comparison) 352-litre boot in the Astra Electric and PHEV.

Neither cabin is particularly exciting up front, looking nor feeling as premium as a Volkswagen Golf or Peugeot 308. Everything is solidly put together, but the infotainment is a bit of a faff to navigate. The block-based menu hides some functions in sub-menus, and the Kia K5 and EV4 systems are both easier to use.

From behind the wheel, no matter which powertrain you choose, the Astra is far from a thrill ride. All versions are pretty comfortable, planted at higher speeds and equally uneventful when you reach a twisty road, but the pick of the bunch from behind the wheel is definitely the EV. It may be marginally more bouncy over big bumps on account of its slight weight gain over the hybrids, but the trade is more than worth it for its smooth, silent (if slow) acceleration.

The largest factor to consider is whether you need the extra long-distance ability afforded by a petrol engine in the front over a battery under the floor. Range in the EV varies from 247 miles in the Sports Tourer to 280 miles in the hatchback, a difference you won’t notice in the real world.

The aforementioned Kia EV4 can travel as far as 388 miles in big battery guise, while the Volkswagen ID3 can manage 369 miles. You’ll pay a lot more for either, that being said.

The plug-in hybrid claims 52 miles on a charge (I managed about 40 in the real world), which should be more than enough for most urban commutes, and the 1.6-litre engine is smoother than the slightly grumbly 1.2-litre item in the self-charging hybrid – especially when accelerating.

So, what’s the best version of the new Astra? In a case of head-over-heart, I’d have the Sports Tourer over the hatchback. No it’s not as stylish, but it’s a no-brainer for the extra cabin space – and let’s be real, you’re not buying an Astra with your emotions, are you?

Onto the power options, and while I’m inclined to give it to the PHEV, it’s the Electric that drives off into the sunset here. While it may have the same list price as the plug-in, it’s actually cheaper to buy once you factor in the £1,500 government EV grant. That’ll pay for a home charger and still leave you with some change in your pocket.

If you’re buying a sensible car, you may as well go the whole hog and make the most financially sensible choice of the lot.

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*Savings are made up of the maximum dealer discount off RRP – subject to dealership, location and trim. Prices correct at the time of writing.