Top 10 Small Automatic Cars in The UK
As time goes by, an increasing number of motorists are opting for automatic transmissions instead of traditional manual ones.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) reported that 324,064 driving tests between 2022 and 2023 were conducted in vehicles with automatic gearboxes.
Though significantly lower than the 1.36 million manual tests administered during the same timeframe, this marks a 360% surge compared to 15 years prior.
Several factors contribute to this shift, such as the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, which eschew conventional gearboxes, and the dwindling availability of manual transmission cars on the market.
Consequently, a significant portion of new drivers are now seeking vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions as their initial choice, particularly those with limited financial means who are exploring various affordable options among small cars in the UK.
Interested in discovering the top 10 small automatic cars currently available in the UK? Explore our list below.
Top 10 Small Automatic Cars
1. Renault Clio
Renault's latest Clio offers a selection between a 1.0-litre petrol engine and an efficient E-Tech hybrid. The hybrid variant exclusively features an automatic transmission, yet both deliver commendable performance. With 143bhp, the Clio E-Tech hybrid operates through a four-speed automatic alongside dual electric motors. Its efficiency stands out, boasting a claimed 67.3mpg. Remarkably, it's currently the most affordable hybrid available in the UK, starting at £21,495.
2. Seat Ibiza
Consider the Seat Ibiza if you're in the market for a compact car equipped with an automatic transmission. Although the standard model comes with a five-speed manual, the FR trim and higher offer a seven-speed automatic option. It's paired with a Volkswagen Group 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, boasting 113bhp and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 10.3 seconds. Starting at £23,590, it's a tad pricier than the Clio, but it comes with desirable standard features like LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, ample safety equipment, and cruise control.
3. Skoda Fabia
Similar to the Ibiza, the Skoda Fabia shares a platform with the Volkswagen Polo, featuring the same 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Priced at £21,780, it offers a slight cost advantage compared to the Seat.
We really like the Skoda Fabia for its spacious and practical interior, which is genuinely user-friendly.
Moreover, its ride quality surpasses that of some luxury vehicles, enhancing its appeal as a daily driver. While not as exhilarating to drive as the Ibiza, it stands as an excellent small car in its own regard.
4. Toyota Yaris
Here's another standout supermini, the Toyota Yaris, comes standard with an automatic gearbox, but it's not your typical setup. It utilises an e-CVT, programmed to optimise gear selection for efficiency, yet operates much like a traditional automatic. With a starting price of £22,640, it's among the most affordable in its category today, offering simplicity with only one engine choice: a 1.5-litre hybrid petrol. Despite its 114bhp power output, it boasts impressive fuel efficiency, claiming up to 70.6mpg. And you can genuinely achieve that in everyday driving. Plus, it's no slouch, reaching 0-62mph in just 9.7 seconds.
5. Jeep Avenger
Following its highly anticipated debut as an electric vehicle, Jeep's compact crossover introduced a mild-hybrid gasoline alternative, resulting in an approximate £10,000 cost reduction and, unsurprisingly, an automatic transmission.
Employing the same six-speed dual-clutch automatic found in the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208 - all part of the Stellantis family - the Jeep incorporates a gearbox-mounted electric motor.
This electric motor and gearbox combination enhances mid-range performance by 30%, albeit with some sluggishness in shifting when desired.
Nevertheless, it presents a viable option compared to the fully electric and manual choices within the Avenger lineup. With power reaching 127bhp and torque at 151lb ft, it should satisfy the needs of most drivers.
6. Hyundai i20
The Hyundai i20, while not as dominant in sales as before, remains a significant choice. Equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, it delivers a respectable 52.3mpg despite not being the most spirited. Paired with a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine generating 99bhp, it offers a pleasant driving experience, albeit without any standout performance.
7. Toyota Aygo X
Ranked second among the top small cars featuring automatic transmission is the Aygo X by Toyota - a compact crossover resembling an elevated Aygo. Housing a 1.0-litre petrol engine sans turbocharger, it churns out 70bhp, appearing modest on paper and lacking in power. While satisfactory for city driving, its claimed 0-62mph acceleration of 14.8 seconds speaks volumes. However, being non-hybrid, it comes at a notably lower price compared to the larger Yaris. The base model equipped with a 1.0-litre engine and S-CVT gearbox, or 'small' CVT, starts at £17,245. We find the Aygo X's interior to embody perfected value motoring, boasting excellent ergonomics and technology, alongside commendable refinement.
8. Honda Jazz
The Honda Jazz offers a single engine choice and transmission option. It's equipped with an e-CVT and starts at £26,395, placing it among the pricier selections here. Unlike the Avenger and the Corsa, it's a full hybrid, capable of electric-only propulsion at low speeds, while the engine functions as a generator to recharge the battery powering the motor. Honda asserts a combined average fuel economy of 62.8mpg.
9. Peugeot 208/Vauxhall Corsa
The Peugeot 208 shares mechanical components with the Vauxhall Corsa, including its six-speed automatic transmission equipped with an electric motor.
Peugeot claims the hybrid model consumes 15% less fuel than its petrol counterpart.
Buyers can opt for either 100bhp or 136bhp powertrains, with the higher-powered version starting at £23,310.
It's priced approximately £1000 higher than the most affordable Corsa hybrid. In the end, both offer refinement, comfort, and enjoyable driving experiences—your choice may come down to personal style preferences.
10. Mini Cooper
Alright, it hasn't arrived just yet, but there are plans for a revamp on the upcoming Mini Cooper model.
Expect it solely in automatic transmission, with a choice between standard and sport dual-clutch variants. Pricing begins at £23,135 for the standard and £26,635 for the sport edition.
Standard features include a heated steering wheel, a large circular infotainment screen, LED headlights, parking assistance, and a range of safety features.
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Source and Images: AutoCar UK