Best small automatic cars to buy 2025

Small automatic cars are a bit of an unsung hero. They’re the go-to solution for anyone fed up with endless gearchanges in traffic, or wrestling oversized SUVs into tight parking spaces. These autos are compact, straightforward and incredibly easy to live with, stripping out the faff of driving without feeling like a compromise. Whether it’s for city streets or quieter weekend drives, they just work.

The choice on the market now is better than ever. Forget the dull and sluggish models of the past – small automatics have upped their game. You’ll find punchy petrol engines, efficient hybrids and even fully electric cars that bring a fresh edge to this class. From zippy hatchbacks to small SUVs with a bit of flair, there’s something to suit all kinds of drivers, and they’ve got the added benefit of being easy on the wallet when it comes to running costs.

What sets these cars apart is their ability to balance convenience with versatility. Automatics take the hassle out of driving, whether you’re stuck in rush-hour traffic or nipping through narrow streets. And while they’re small enough to make parking a breeze, they still deliver enough practicality for everyday life. With options spanning every powertrain and style, it’s easy to see why small automatics have become such a popular choice.

Keep reading for our list of the best small automatic cars on sale right now. We also have a handy guide to help you decide whether a small automatic is right for you…

1. Renault 5

• Prices from £23,000

The Renault 5 offers a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a small automatic car. Powered by a 148bhp electric motor, it delivers solid performance with a 0-62mph time of 9.5 seconds. The car handles well, remaining agile and fun without feeling overly demanding, making it perfect for both city driving and more spirited outings.

With a range of up to 249 miles on a full charge, thanks to its 52kWh battery, the Renault 5 is more than capable for daily commutes and longer journeys. Its compact size and relatively low weight contribute to an efficient and smooth ride.

The boot space is a decent 326 litres, making it a practical option for the weekly shop. Inside, the Renault 5 is equipped with a Google-based tech interface, making the car both modern and user-friendly. 

2. Renault Clio Hybrid

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• Prices from £21,700

The Renault Clio is one of our favourite superminis, and the hybrid version — known as the E-Tech — offers a great combination of efficiency, performance and, of course, an automatic gearbox. 

With an efficient 1.6-litre petrol engine, electric motor and small battery pack, the Clio E-Tech Full Hybrid produces a healthy 143bhp, yet it can also return up to 67.3mpg with CO2 emissions as low as 96g/km. This makes the Clio a good pick for company-car drivers, as well as people who just need an automatic. However, the electric cars on this list offer the very biggest savings.

On the outside the Clio is as stylish as ever, but now it’s just as impressive behind the wheel. The steering, handling and damping and technology are up there with the very best in class, while it feels just as refined as several cars from the class above. 

3. Toyota Yaris

• Prices from £23,000

There’s no doubt the Toyota Yaris is one of the racier-looking superminis on the road, although sadly the driving experience is worthy rather than fun. Drive it as sensibly as intended, though, and this hybrid’s eco-credentials should certainly appeal.

As one of the smallest hybrids on sale today, you won’t be surprised to hear the Yaris is economical, and the claimed 68mpg is definitely impressive.

With light controls, the Yaris is easy to place around town or in traffic, but the ride can be a little too far on the fidgety side for some, and there’s pronounced lean in corners if you’re trying to press on. The CVT gearbox works well at low speeds around town, or when driving gently, but if you want to extract maximum performance then it can cause the engine to seem as though it’s revving too hard for the given speed. You soon get used to it though, and the trade-off is those great economy and emissions numbers.

4. Jeep Avenger 

• Prices from £26,000

Best known for its bulky off-roaders, Jeep surprised the world by building a small road-biased SUV that’s actually rather sensible. The best part, though, is that the Avenger still retains plenty of the unique character that’s associated with the American brand.

While it’s never going to conquer terrain like the Wrangler, the little Jeep Avenger is great to drive on the road, stylish to look at and even quite affordable to buy. There’s plenty of choice when it comes to power, too, as you can opt for a petrol, full-hybrid or fully-electric variant.

If you want an automatic gearbox, you’ll need to pick either the full-hybrid or EV. While these are pricier to buy than the entry-level petrol version, you’ll soon save a few pennies when it comes to running costs.

5. BYD Dolphin 

• Prices from £26,200

While you may be initially apprehensive about buying a car from a relatively-unknown brand, BYD — Build Your Dreams — is, in fact, the world’s largest EV maker, so it’s safe to say its engineers know what they’re doing.

The reason you might not have heard of BYD is because the Dolphin is only the second car that the Chinese brand has sold in the UK. It’s off to a very strong start, though, as this small electric car boasts solid build quality, well over 200 miles of battery range, a five-star safety rating and plenty of impressive technology. All while undercutting many of its rivals when it comes to cost.

Being an EV, the Dolphin is only available as an automatic, and there’s a decent amount of punch on offer with 310Nm of torque on tap. 0-62mph is dealt with in 7.2 seconds, so it’s certainly no slouch, either.

6. Skoda Fabia

• Prices from £19,900

Opt for any of the turbocharged engines in the current Skoda Fabia line-up and you will have the option of a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. If you’re planning to cover plenty of motorway miles in your supermini, this dual-clutch system’s smooth changes further complement the Fabia’s comfortable ride quality. 

The Fabia is a very safe car, too, with a generous amount of active safety tech including front assist, pedestrian protection and lane-keeping assist all fitted as standard. This helps contribute towards the small Skoda’s five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

No member of the current Fabia line-up is particularly thrilling to drive — there is no vRS performance model — but each variant should prove pretty cost-effective. Every engine can return around 50mpg without too much effort.

7. Dacia Spring

• Prices from £15,000

The Dacia Spring is a standout option for those seeking a small, efficient automatic car that doesn’t compromise on practicality. With its 64bhp version it accelerates from 0-62mph in 13.7 seconds, offering a solid range of up to 140 miles – perfect for everyday use, whether it’s a short commute or city errands. The 44bhp version is slightly slower, at 19.1 seconds to 62mph, but it still offers great value for money at £14,995. 

Despite its compact size, the Spring surprises with a generous 308-litre boot, providing plenty of space for shopping or luggage. Inside, the cabin is simple yet functional, with modern tech such as a touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This electric city car is designed for easy, efficient driving, making it a great choice for those looking for a small, budget-friendly automatic with all the right features. The Dacia Spring proves that practicality doesn’t have to come at a premium price.

8. Vauxhall Corsa Electric 

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• Prices from £26,900

While some electric cars go all-out to create a futuristic feel in terms of design and technology, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric instead brings a welcome sense of familiarity. There’s little to differentiate between this zero-emission supermini and its combustion-powered sibling, apart from what’s lurking underneath the bonnet.

As with all EVs, the Corsa Electric is only available with an automatic transmission. The good news is that this, along with the car's compact size and straightforward layout, makes it just as easy to live with as a standard Corsa. If you’re making the switch from a combustion car, the claimed 246-mile battery range should help to alleviate any anxiety. 

9. Peugeot E-208 

• Prices from £30,000

While it was already a good looker, the Peugeot E-208 received a facelift in 2023 that made this electric supermini’s styling even sharper, as well as adding some useful improvements to its battery tech.

Peugeot’s baby EV can now cover up to 248 miles on the WLTP combined cycle, so it won’t be out of its depth on big roads and longer trips. 154bhp and 260Nm means it should keep up with the traffic, too. 

The E-208’s automatic transmission and small stature make it very easy to drive and park, so it’s an attractive package for the most part. The downside, though, is its steep starting price. 

10. Honda Jazz

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• Prices from £26,900

The latest Honda Jazz is only available as a hybrid. This powertrain comprises a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and two electric motors producing a total output of 108bhp and 253Nm of torque. At the centre is an ‘e-CVT’ automatic transmission which Honda says creates an easier delivery of power.

Unlike CVTs of old, we have no qualms with the refinement of the drivetrain in the Jazz. As you’d expect there’s some electric motor whine and the revs can soar if pushed hard, but Honda’s supermini is a comfortable place to rack up the miles.

If you want some extra SUV ruggedness in your life, the Jazz Crosstar model might appeal. It uses the same hybrid power and CVT gearbox with a lifted ride height and some wheel arch cladding. 

The best small automatic cars to buy now

Why choose a small automatic car?

Small automatic cars have come a long way in recent years. Once known for being sluggish, inefficient and prone to awkward gearshifts, today’s small automatics are far more refined. Thanks to improvements such as dual-clutch gearboxes, multi-speed torque converters and Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT), the driving experience has vastly improved. These cars now offer a smooth, more responsive performance, and the convenience of an automatic gearbox is an attractive option for many.

For those driving in cities or busy urban areas, small automatics make a lot of sense. Stop-and-start traffic is a constant in these environments, and continually changing gears can become tedious. With an automatic, you can simply focus on the road, leaving the gearchanges to the car. In these conditions, the automatic transmission is a real blessing, and a reason why many city dwellers opt for smaller automatics over manuals.

Electric cars are another factor influencing the rise of small automatics. EVs, with their single-speed transmissions, have proven that smooth, effortless driving doesn’t need gearchanges. As more people switch to electric cars, the case for automatic transmissions in small cars becomes even stronger.

Fuel efficiency is another area where small automatics have improved. Modern automatic gearboxes are often just as fuel efficient as manual versions, and in some cases, even more so. This makes small automatics an appealing choice for anyone who wants the convenience of an automatic without sacrificing economy.

Whether you're looking for a new car, or exploring the used market, small automatics are increasingly available. They provide a convenient and practical solution for those who want ease of driving, particularly in busy urban areas. Today’s small automatic cars are far more enjoyable to drive, and are a solid option for anyone looking for a hassle-free motoring experience.

Now read our list of the best superminis to buy...