The UK’s affinity for small cars with manual gearboxes is well known but there’s no reason why the two should be irrevocably linked. While there’s no doubt a manual gearbox can make a car more engaging, more fun to drive, the best small automatic cars are great to own.
After all, if you spend all your time sat in traffic or constantly nipping around a city, all you’re offered by a manual car is the ability to keep your left hand and left leg busy with a million gear changes. Why not remove all that stress and allow an autobox to take the strain out of city gridlock?
That’s not forgetting the group of people who, for any number of reasons, can’t drive a manual car. Every vehicle on this list can be driven on an automatic-only licence.
While in the past, small automatic cars were slow, thirsty, jerky and expensive, the models on this list are all smooth, quick-shifting and engaging to drive. We’ve sorted the wheat from the chaff and selected excellent cars that also have brilliant automatic gearboxes.
Winner: the best small automatic to buy in 2025
Our favourite small automatic car of them all
We think the Renault 5 E-Tech is one of the most exciting small electric cars to hit the market – stylish, affordable, and a top choice if you're after a great small automatic in 2025. Like many battery-powered electric cars its quick off the mark with a responsive accelerator and has smooth power delivery.
You get the choice of two battery options, the entry-level EV40 with a 40kWh battery and 186 miles of range, or the pricier EV52 with a 52kWh battery and a longer official range of up to 248 miles. It’s a fun little car to drive, great around town, and with prices starting from just under £23,000, it’s a tempting option if you’re after a small, stylish EV.
Read our full Renault 5 E-Tech review
You get the choice of two battery options, the entry-level EV40 with a 40kWh battery and 186 miles of range, or the pricier EV52 with a 52kWh battery and a longer official range of up to 248 miles. It’s a fun little car to drive, great around town, and with prices starting from just under £23,000, it’s a tempting option if you’re after a small, stylish EV.
Read our full Renault 5 E-Tech review
Pros
- Classy interior
- Tidy handling
- From £23,000
Cons
- Rear seats are cramped
- Too many steering collum stalks
Highly recommended: small automatics to consider
Compact, clever, and cost-conscious option
The Fiat Grande Panda has entered as a new contender in the fiercely competitive small electric car market, going up against the Hyundai Inster and Renault 5 E-Tech. It’s available with both hybrid and electric power, and with prices starting from £20,975, it’s one of the most affordable options in this growing segment. It’s also more practical than the Fiat 500, with five doors, a bigger boot and compact dimensions that still make it ideal for city life.
On the road, the electric Panda feels composed and easy to drive, with precise steering and a laid-back character that suits its urban focus. Electric versions use a 44kWh battery with an official range of up to 199 miles, though real-world figures may be a little lower depending on how you drive. Charging’s a bit easier thanks to a built-in cable stored behind the front badge – no more faffing around with wires in the boot. It’s a strong all-rounder for anyone after a small, affordable runabout with a bit more space and charm than most rivals.
Read our full Fiat Grande Panda review
On the road, the electric Panda feels composed and easy to drive, with precise steering and a laid-back character that suits its urban focus. Electric versions use a 44kWh battery with an official range of up to 199 miles, though real-world figures may be a little lower depending on how you drive. Charging’s a bit easier thanks to a built-in cable stored behind the front badge – no more faffing around with wires in the boot. It’s a strong all-rounder for anyone after a small, affordable runabout with a bit more space and charm than most rivals.
Read our full Fiat Grande Panda review
Pros
- Clever practicality features
- Comfortable and easy to drive
- Wonderful design and style throughout
Cons
- Efficiency hasn’t impressed us so far
- Adults may find the back seats uncomfortable
Hybrid power, same Clio charm
The Renault Clio once topped this list in its previously-available 130hp petrol automatic form. But that powertrain is no longer available to buy in the UK – in its place is the fiendishly clever 140hp hybrid system, which by its nature is available only as an automatic.
It’s not quite as smooth as hybrid system found in the Toyota Yaris but is more powerful and almost as efficient. While we’ve had quite the moan about Renault’s hybrid cars in some forms, the system seems to work quite well in the Clio. And if you want this multi award-winning car as an automatic, it’s your only option.
Read our full Renault Clio review
It’s not quite as smooth as hybrid system found in the Toyota Yaris but is more powerful and almost as efficient. While we’ve had quite the moan about Renault’s hybrid cars in some forms, the system seems to work quite well in the Clio. And if you want this multi award-winning car as an automatic, it’s your only option.
Read our full Renault Clio review
Pros
- Great value
- Huge, practical boot
- Clever hybrid powertrain
Cons
- Tight back seats
- Hyrbid powertrain is pricey
Comfortable and spacious option
The Citroen e-C3 is all about comfort and value, offering a laid-back driving experience at a refreshingly low price. With a starting figure of £21,990 and an official range of up to
199 miles from its 44kWh battery, it’s one of the most affordable electric small cars on sale. The cabin is no-frills but smart, with enough space for everyday use and a user-friendly layout.
It’s not the quickest car, but the 113hp motor gives enough punch for city traffic and confident overtakes – especially compared with budget rivals like the Dacia Spring or Leapmotor T03. More than anything, it shines in everyday use thanks to its soft suspension and easygoing feel. For drivers after relaxed, comfortable motoring without breaking the bank, the e-C3 makes a strong case.
Read our full Citroen e-C3 review
199 miles from its 44kWh battery, it’s one of the most affordable electric small cars on sale. The cabin is no-frills but smart, with enough space for everyday use and a user-friendly layout.
It’s not the quickest car, but the 113hp motor gives enough punch for city traffic and confident overtakes – especially compared with budget rivals like the Dacia Spring or Leapmotor T03. More than anything, it shines in everyday use thanks to its soft suspension and easygoing feel. For drivers after relaxed, comfortable motoring without breaking the bank, the e-C3 makes a strong case.
Read our full Citroen e-C3 review
Pros
- Low starting price
- Impressive space
- Excellent comfort
Cons
- High boot loading lip
- Range won't be enough for some
Unparalleled value for an EV
One of the cheapest electric cars you can buy, the Leapmotor T03 makes a strong case as a simple and well-equipped city car. Prices start from just £15,995, yet it still offers upmarket kit like a digital dashboard and adaptive cruise control.
With a compact footprint and a 94bhp electric motor, it’s well suited to urban driving and short commutes. The 165-mile official range won’t suit long-distance drivers, and it’s not the most refined option, but backed by Stellantis’ UK dealer network, it’s a compelling pick for affordable, everyday transport.
Read our full Leapmotor T03 review
With a compact footprint and a 94bhp electric motor, it’s well suited to urban driving and short commutes. The 165-mile official range won’t suit long-distance drivers, and it’s not the most refined option, but backed by Stellantis’ UK dealer network, it’s a compelling pick for affordable, everyday transport.
Read our full Leapmotor T03 review
Pros
- Unbeatable value
- Fun to drive
- Strong equipment
Cons
- Just one trim level
- Shorter range than most
Comfort and space, cleverly packaged
The Skoda Kamiq has seriously impressed us at Parkers, earning the title of Best Small Family Car in the 2025 Parkers New Car Awards. Buyers can choose from three petrol engines: two 1.0-litre options with 95hp or 116hp, and a more powerful 1.5-litre version. Both the 116hp 1.0-litre and the 1.5-litre engines are available with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
It might not be the most exciting car to drive on this list, but the Kamiq feels grown-up and refined. If you prioritise passenger space, comfort over flashy looks, and composed handling, it’s a strong contender. Prices start at just under £25,000, so it’s not the cheapest here — but it remains a solid choice if you're after something practical, comfortable, and easy to live with.
Read our full Skoda Kamiq review
It might not be the most exciting car to drive on this list, but the Kamiq feels grown-up and refined. If you prioritise passenger space, comfort over flashy looks, and composed handling, it’s a strong contender. Prices start at just under £25,000, so it’s not the cheapest here — but it remains a solid choice if you're after something practical, comfortable, and easy to live with.
Read our full Skoda Kamiq review
Pros
- Handles well; comfortable ride
- Bright and well-made interior
- Very spacious for its size
Cons
- Low seating position for an SUV
- DSG transmission could be slicker
The definitive city car, refined
The iconic MINI Hatch was replaced in 2024 and is now simply called the MINI Cooper. It’s available with petrol power or as a fully electric Cooper E, both offering the same compact charm in a modernised package.
The Cooper stays true to MINI’s fun-to-drive roots. It feels agile and planted, with sharp steering that makes it a blast around town or on twisty roads. The automatic gearbox is smooth and responsive, especially in the punchier Cooper S. It’s not the most refined car at higher speeds, but it makes up for it with character and confidence behind the wheel. The Cooper E keeps the fun factor, with zippy acceleration and the same go-kart-like handling. It’s smooth, quiet, and ideal for city life. Base-spec models come with a 40.7kWh battery and a 184hp motor, offering up to 190 miles of WLTP range. Whichever version you choose — electric or petrol — you’re guaranteed a fun, engaging drive, though don’t expect generous interior space.
Read our full Mini Cooper review
The Cooper stays true to MINI’s fun-to-drive roots. It feels agile and planted, with sharp steering that makes it a blast around town or on twisty roads. The automatic gearbox is smooth and responsive, especially in the punchier Cooper S. It’s not the most refined car at higher speeds, but it makes up for it with character and confidence behind the wheel. The Cooper E keeps the fun factor, with zippy acceleration and the same go-kart-like handling. It’s smooth, quiet, and ideal for city life. Base-spec models come with a 40.7kWh battery and a 184hp motor, offering up to 190 miles of WLTP range. Whichever version you choose — electric or petrol — you’re guaranteed a fun, engaging drive, though don’t expect generous interior space.
Read our full Mini Cooper review
Pros
- Great fun to drive
- Cool styling
- packed with excellent tech
Cons
- Limited boot space
- Mini Cooper E has a limited driving range
Hybrid Yaris makes more sense than ever
The Toyota Yaris may not top our best small car list, but it’s a reliable and efficient choice. It comes with a 1.5-litre hybrid engine and automatic gearbox, backed by Toyota’s hybrid expertise and a 10-year warranty. The 2024 update added more power to higher trims and new versions to keep the range fresh. It’s also Toyota’s bestselling model in the UK.
It uses an e-CVT gearbox, which means there’s just one continuously variable ‘gear’. But don’t worry — it feels much like a conventional automatic, making it simple and smooth to drive. Lower-spec models produce 115hp and do 0–62mph in 10.3 seconds, though it feels quicker in real-world driving. The hybrid system is impressively refined — it’s smooth, quiet in electric mode, and the 1.5-litre petrol engine adds a surprising burst of energy when you need it. With no traditional gears to shift through, it’s nippy off the line and perfectly suited to town and city driving.
Read our full Toyota Yaris review
It uses an e-CVT gearbox, which means there’s just one continuously variable ‘gear’. But don’t worry — it feels much like a conventional automatic, making it simple and smooth to drive. Lower-spec models produce 115hp and do 0–62mph in 10.3 seconds, though it feels quicker in real-world driving. The hybrid system is impressively refined — it’s smooth, quiet in electric mode, and the 1.5-litre petrol engine adds a surprising burst of energy when you need it. With no traditional gears to shift through, it’s nippy off the line and perfectly suited to town and city driving.
Read our full Toyota Yaris review
Pros
- Hugely economical
- Loads of driver assistance tech
- Cheap monthly finance
Cons
- Small boot
- Less than up-to-date interior
A small car with a big interior
The Honda Jazz has always had a couple of major selling points. It’s amazingly versatile and spacious for such a small car – there’s room for four six-foot adults in comfort, and the clever rear seats give you loads of options for carrying large items. It’s also a very dependable model, with a strong reputation for reliability and ease-of-driving.
The latest model is only available as a self-charging hybrid and automatic gearbox as the only option, which gives good economy and nippy performance around town. You’ll pay for the privilege, though – the Jazz isn’t a cheap small car with prices starting from around £28,060.
Read our full Honda Jazz review
The latest model is only available as a self-charging hybrid and automatic gearbox as the only option, which gives good economy and nippy performance around town. You’ll pay for the privilege, though – the Jazz isn’t a cheap small car with prices starting from around £28,060.
Read our full Honda Jazz review
Pros
- Amazingly, versatile and spacious
- High-quality dashboard
- Good balance of performance and economy
Cons
- Not the best motorway cruiser
- Only one engine choice
Punchy hybrid power, impressive value
The MG3 Hybrid+ stands out in the supermini segment by combining affordability with impressive performance. Equipped with a 1.5-litre hybrid system producing 194hp, it accelerates from 0–62mph in just 8.0 seconds, rivalling some hot hatches. This makes it one of the quickest cars in its class, offering a spirited drive that's both fun and efficient.
Despite its punchy performance, the MG3 Hybrid+ remains affordable to run. Official fuel economy stands at 64.2mpg, and in real-world conditions you can expect close to 60mpg around town. CO₂ emissions of 100g/km also help keep running costs low. Add to that nearly 200hp and full hybrid tech, and it’s remarkable value – especially when rivals like the Clio E-Tech and Toyota Yaris cost significantly more for less power.
Read our full MG3 Hybrid+ review
Despite its punchy performance, the MG3 Hybrid+ remains affordable to run. Official fuel economy stands at 64.2mpg, and in real-world conditions you can expect close to 60mpg around town. CO₂ emissions of 100g/km also help keep running costs low. Add to that nearly 200hp and full hybrid tech, and it’s remarkable value – especially when rivals like the Clio E-Tech and Toyota Yaris cost significantly more for less power.
Read our full MG3 Hybrid+ review
Pros
- Roomy interior
- Impressive performance and economy
- Great value pricing
Cons
- Strange engine response
- Some cheap cabin plastics
Best used small automatic
Polished, comfortable, and built to last
The Volkswagen Polo is a smart choice if you want a dependable used small hatchback that’s easy to live with. It feels a step up from rivals like the Ford Fiesta or Renault Clio, but you’ll likely pay a bit more for a Polo with similar age and mileage. It's easy to drive around town thanks to its excellent visibility, light steering and easy-to-use controls, while the DSG automatic gearbox makes city traffic feel far less stressful.
It might not be as agile or fun as a Ford Fiesta, but the Polo counters with comfort and quietness – making it a standout choice for motorway commuters or those who value a more relaxed driving experience in a small car.
Read our full used Volkswagen Polo review
It might not be as agile or fun as a Ford Fiesta, but the Polo counters with comfort and quietness – making it a standout choice for motorway commuters or those who value a more relaxed driving experience in a small car.
Read our full used Volkswagen Polo review
Pros
- Economical engine
- Low running costs
- Comfortable ride
Cons
- More expensive than other superminis
- Not as fun to drive as rivals
Frequently asked questions
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What is the most reliable small automatic car?
Our pick is the Renault 5 E-Tech. Sitting at the top of our best small automatics list, it’s stylish, affordable, and fully electric – making it a great first step into the world of EVs in 2025. You get a choice of two battery sizes offering up to 248 miles of range, and its instant power delivery makes it feel nippy and smooth to drive. It’s a great all-rounder and one of the most exciting new small cars on sale.
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