Ford Fiesta Powershift - best small automatic cars

The Fiesta is the UK's best-seller, and Ford's Powershift auto is available to those who are allergic to the clutch pedal. At the moment, you can only get an auto box with the 1.0 EcoBoost 100PS turbo petrol three-cylinder. But as that engine is offered in Zetec, ST-Line, B&O Play, Titanium, Titanium X and Vignale trims, you're not exactly limited in choice.

You pay a bit more of a premium for the Powershift auto than you do on some rivals (it's about £1,400 extra), but it's a cutting-edge twin-clutch gearbox that shifts as quickly as you could with a manual, if not faster.

But like rivals, fuel economy does take a bit of a hit. A drop from 65.7mpg to 54.3mpg is bigger than some, while emissions are also poorer for company car drivers. At least the latest Fiesta's improved interior space and fine handling are retained, making this one best-seller that delivers the goods to justify its position.

Best small automatics

1. 1. Skoda Fabia DSG
2. 2. Volkswagen Polo DSG
3. 3. Hyundai i10 auto
4. 4. MINI Cooper auto
5. 5. Ford Fiesta Powershift
6. 6. Citroen C3 EAT6
7. 7. Renault Clio EDC
8. 8. Mazda 2 auto
9. 9. Kia Rio auto
10. 10. Audi A1 S tronic