The hybrid and electric versions of this car all cost the same…so which should you buy?
Car changing is a big deal
Senior reviews writer Mario Christou has spent some time with the new Vauxhall Astra. It’s been updated both inside and out, but more importantly, most versions now cost the same, too. He talks you through which one to go for.
If money weren’t a factor, which type of car would you buy? I don’t mean a sports car or some posh 4×4. No, I’m wondering if you’d opt for a self-charging, plug-in hybrid or an electric car, because you’ll find yourself paying more for a battery-powered model than any other.
Well, until now, that is, because the hybrid and electric versions of the new, updated Vauxhall Astra all cost the same. Yes, really, down to the penny.
So if you’re no longer forced to pay a premium for an all-electric or plug-in model – compared to a self-charging hybrid – which one should you choose? Spoilers: that’ll depend on your lifestyle more than the car.
They all look smart, for starters, with a mildly refreshed look which includes more chiseled bumpers and fancier lights at the front. It’s a blanket change, and the only real way to tell the different versions apart is by the electric model’s unique wheels, or the small bootlid badge. Nonetheless, the Astra is a handsome piece of kit, especially in the optional blue paint.
The interior is the same on all models, too. That means a neat enough but slightly boring dashboard, lots of satin grey plastic trim and a pair of excellent, ergonomic seats in the front. It’s spacious enough to sit comfortably in the back, though legroom is at a premium behind a particularly tall driver.
Once you get to the boot, you’ll notice the first major difference between the hybrid, PHEV and electric models. The plug-in hybrid has the least cargo space, in order to accommodate the batteries under the boot floor compared to the self-charger and EV.
What those batteries mean, however, is that the PHEV can travel as far as 52 miles before the engine needs to step in. In theory, it’s the pick of the bunch as it offers silent motoring in town, which the self-charging hybrid can’t, and long distance ability to leave the electric model behind on a motorway journey.
But there is a fly in the plug-in ointment, and that’s the government’s Electric Car Grant. See, while they all cost the same on paper, you’ll pay £1,500 less for the Astra Electric in reality. That’s enough money to buy a home wall charger, if you don’t already have one, which you’d have to do to make the most of a plug-in hybrid anyway.
The pure-petrol automatic model is cheaper still, at just £27,495, and there’s an entry-level manual on the way – but over the car’s lifetime you’ll pay more for fuel than you would to top up the battery at home.
So, for the price of a regular or a plug-in hybrid you can have Astra Electric, and the means to run it as cheaply as possible, too. It’s a no brainer, really.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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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.