Best automatic cars for Motability 2025

A recent survey showed that the number of new drivers taking automatic-only driving lessons is on the up. After all, there are plenty of reasons to choose an automatic car over a manual, especially in modern conditions where congestion is heavier than ever, city streets are often choked and difficult to manoeuvre around and two-pedal transmissions are better than ever.

Gone are the days where an automatic gearbox meant worse fuel economy, higher maintenance costs and worse reliability than a manual, as today they’re often the most frugal and inexpensive models in the range to buy, as well as sometimes the most engaging to drive. More and more new cars are removing the option of a manual gearbox completely. 

Automatic cars have always been popular on the Motability scheme, too, where self-shifting models are often the go-to choice for drivers with reduced mobility. Here’s our pick of the best automatic cars for Motability customers that you can get right now. 

Hyundai i10

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• Model: i10 1.0 Advance Auto 
• Advance payment: nil
• PIP weekly cost: £74.25
• Car size: city car
• Fuel type: petrol
• Gearbox: automatic

There’s something lovably no-frills about the Hyundai i10 Advance – it’s a basic, characterful city car with a functional, spacious cabin and tall wide-access doors, which will appeal to many Motability buyers. The automatic gearbox is actually an automated sequential manual, which means quick and responsive changes but just the two pedals. With no advanced payment and a weekly cost of under £75, it’s one of the least expensive automatic cars on the Motability scheme. 

Renault Megane E-Tech

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• Model: Megane 160kW Techno Comfort Range 60kWh 5dr Auto
• PIP weekly cost: total mobility allowance
• Advance payment: £495
• Car size: hatchback
• Fuel type: electric
• Gearbox: automatic

Across the entire Motability spectrum at the moment, the Renault Megane really stands out – not only is it available for nil advance payment, but of all the cars at that level, it’s one of the most stylish and technologically advanced, too. It’s very much the vehicle with which Renault began its remarkable recent revolution of advanced electric powertrains and strikingly stylish cars, while the futuristic cabin is packed with technology and advanced safety features. 

Hyundai Kona Electric

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• Model: Kona Electric 160kW N Line 65kWh 5dr 
• PIP weekly cost: total mobility allowance
• Advance payment: £599
• Car size: compact SUV
• Fuel type: electric
• Gearbox: automatic 

There’s nothing dramatic or jaw-dropping about the Hyundai Kona Electric – unlike its bigger sibling, the Ioniq 5 – but as a highly usable introduction to electric motoring the compact Korean SUV takes a lot of beating. It has a fast-charging 48kWh battery pack which will give you up to 234 miles (WLTP). The Kona is also spacious, functional and easy to drive, with a tall cabin, good access and excellent visibility. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5 

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• Model: Ioniq 5 125kW Advance 63kWh
• PIP weekly cost: total mobility allowance
• Advance payment: £1,299
• Car size: SUV
• Fuel type: electric
• Gearbox: automatic

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of the most distinctive cars on the road, and also a highly usable electric model with 273 miles of range available (WLTP). Its futuristic exterior and vast size is matched by an equally spacious and high-tech cabin, packed with digital functionality and advanced safety features. It’s a fascinating, interesting vehicle, as well as one that offers great practicality, which is essential for many Motability users. 

Lexus UX

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• Model: UX 300e 150kW 72.8 kWh Urban
• PIP weekly cost: total mobility allowance
• Advance payment: £1,645
• Car size: compact SUV
• Fuel type: electric
• Gearbox: automatic

Lexus’s first all-electric model, conceived as a compact urban SUV, is an incredible offer right now on Motability, as the brand looks to expand its presence in the electric car market. The Lexus UX uses a 72.8kWh battery powering a 150kW electric motor, delivering a total output of 202bhp and a 279-mile range (WLTP), with a classy, refined and high-tech cabin, a premium image and a well-constructed feel. With an advanced payment around £1,700 it’s on a par with many less premium rivals in terms of the initial outlay.

Best automatic cars for Motability

• Hyundai i10
• Renault Megane E-Tech
• Hyundai Kona Electric
• Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Lexus UX

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