Compare the best small automatic cars
High-quality small automatic cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Best small automatic cars of 2024
Small cars have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, and there are many options that offer similar comfort and refinement to larger, more expensive models. One of the ways manufacturers achieve this is by offering small cars with an automatic gearbox, which makes them easy to drive around town and in heavy traffic.
Carwow’s expert reviews team have put together a list of the very best small cars with an automatic gearbox.
The Volvo EX30 is something of an imposter in this list, because it’s an electric car. That means that it doesn’t have an automatic gearbox in the traditional sense, but since you don’t have to change gears in an electric car, and the Volvo EX30 is Carwow’s 2024 Car of the Year, it only feels right to include it. There are some minor complaints, such as controlling everything through the touchscreen and the fact it’s not very roomy, but overall it’s a brilliant small car.
2025
Smart Spender Award
Highly Commended
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The Renault Clio is one of our favourite small cars, because it’s stylish on the outside, smart on the inside and has a massive boot. It also has the option of a fuel-sipping hybrid engine that comes with an automatic gearbox, which is particularly good to drive around town. Meanwhile, the fact it’s more powerful than the regular petrol model means it’s also a more relaxing option for high speeds.
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The Skoda Fabia is a really accomplished all-rounder, with a cabin that’s actually nicer than that of a Volkswagen Polo (which is basically the same car underneath) and a boot that’s as big as that of the much more expensive Golf. The automatic option is a good choice, but a pricey one as it’ll cost you an extra £1,000 over a manual gearbox.
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The MG3 used to be a bit of a joke, but the latest model has seen a complete overhaul that makes it a highly appealing and fantastic value car. It’s another small car with a hybrid engine that’s really easy to drive around town and offers low running costs. It’ll win no prizes for practicality, but if you don’t need loads of luggage space and want a really cheap hybrid it’s worthy of consideration.
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The Peugeot 208 proves you don’t have to sacrifice poshness just because you’re looking for a small car. It has chic styling on the outside and has a high quality cabin, though it’s a bit cramped for space in the back and the boot isn’t massive. Still, if you want an automatic gearbox you can opt for a petrol engine, but there’s also an electric version that’s particularly good around town.
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For a big car experience in a small package look no further than the accomplished Volkswagen Polo. It may not be the most fun to drive and the options can get pricey, but it is very comfortable over bumps and the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is quick and smooth. The only thing really letting it down is the fact it’s not particularly fun to drive.
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The Dacia Sandero is a small car but it’s deceptively spacious inside, so you can downsize from a bigger car without feeling like you’re taking a step down. Sure, it’s a fairly cheap car and kind of feels it inside, but if you’re not too worried about owning a posh car you can show off to your mates, the Sandero does all the basics well. Its CVT automatic gearbox isn’t the most refined, but does mean you’ll get good fuel economy.
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The SEAT Ibiza is a cracking small car, because it looks great and it’s genuinely good fun to drive, whether you’re in a busy city or a jaunt through the countryside. It’s pretty practical too, thanks to a large boot and a spacious cabin, though there are quite a few cheap plastics to be found, so while it is a bit of a bargain it doesn’t attempt to hide its affordable roots.
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The Toyota Yaris does lack a bit when it comes to back seat and boot space, but it’s surprisingly sparky to drive, and that 1.5-litre hybrid engine means that you can get exceptional economy (and quite a lot of electric-only running) around town, without having to worry about charging a battery for longer journeys. The CVT automatic gearbox can mean a bit of extra noise, but it’s worth it for the fuel savings.
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The default sporty drive in the small car segment is also comfortable and comes well equipped. It’s a bit short on luggage and rear passenger space, though. Higher-spec petrol models can be fitted with a seven-speed automatic, making the Fiesta an even better traffic-friendly hatchback. Worth remembering that the Fiesta is now technically out of production, so if you want one you’ll be buying from stock.
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