Best small automatic cars to buy 2026
Prefer less bulk and fewer pedals? These are the best small automatic cars for you
Small automatic cars are unsung heroes for urban drivers who are fed up with constantly rowing through gears and cautiously manoeuvring into awkward parking spaces. Simply put, the best small automatic cars are as easy to drive as they are to live with and great in town.
There are plenty of small automatic cars to choose from, too, and there’s even the option of pure-combustion, hybrid or fully electric power. EVs may not technically have a gearbox but the two-pedal driving experience is similar to that of a good automatic. They also bring serious running cost savings, while a number of models now include the Government’s Electric Car Grant, making them even more affordable.
For this list, we’ve selected a wide range of car body types for our picks of the best small automatic cars on sale. If you have more specific small car requirements in mind then take a look at the following pages:
In order to take the faff out of searching, our expert road testing team has driven every model you can buy in the UK and then rounded up the top 10 choices right here, based on our in-depth testing results.
Compare the best small automatic cars
| Best small automatic cars ranking | Model | Price from | Buy |
| 1 | Renault 5 | £21,500 | Latest deals |
| 2 | Citroen e-C3 | £18,495 | Latest deals |
| 3 | Renault Clio E-Tech | £21,800 | Latest deals |
| 4 | Toyota Yaris | £23,945 | Latest deals |
| 5 | MINI Cooper | £25,465 | Latest deals |
| 6 | Jeep Avenger | £26,495 | Latest deals |
| 7 | BYD Dolphin Surf | £18,675 | Latest deals |
| 8 | Skoda Fabia | £21,055 | Latest deals |
| 9 | Dacia Spring | £15,990 | Latest deals |
| 10 | Vauxhall Corsa Electric | £27,500 | Latest deals |
Keep reading to see the very best small automatic cars on sale right now, according to our experts. You can also navigate directly to individual models via the links in the table above
1. Renault 5
The Renault 5 oozes cool, retro style but its appeal is more than just skin-deep as it's a cracking small car package in every aspect.
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- Prices from £21,500
- Best small electric car
Cheap to run, enjoyable to drive, sensibly priced and packed with retro charm, the Renault 5 is one of our favourite new cars, and it just so happens to be our reigning Affordable Electric Car of the Year.
Because it’s an EV, the Renault 5 is exclusively available with no gear shifting needed. Another benefit of the lack of an engine is the surprising level of refinement that’s on offer in this supermini. Even when hitting motorway speeds during testing, the cabin remained reasonably quiet while the ride stayed composed, if a tad on the firm side. There’s even some fun to be had on twisty roads, thanks to responsive steering and a reasonably light kerb weight.
You’ll be able to enjoy yourself for quite a while, too, as the 5 can cover up to 249 miles on the WLTP combined cycle. We managed a very impressive five miles per kWh when testing at lower road speeds, and this equates to a real-world range of around 260 miles. When we introduced motorways to our test route, the Renault still returned around 4.1 miles per kWh.
The Renault 5 also has its fair share of family car credentials, and boot space is pretty generous for a supermini at 326 litres. While there are few obvious cost-saving measures in the cabin, it’s still a pleasant place to be thanks to some sensibly thought-out designs and plenty of physical switchgear. Our testers are big fans of Renault’s Google-based infotainment software, too.
“Renault has engineered a feeling of solidity into the way that the 5 behaves on the road. In terms of refinement and stability, it really doesn’t feel like a small car at all.” - Jordan Katsianis, news editor.
- Who will like it? Anyone looking for a trendy, practical small EV.
- Who won't like it? Retro styling isn't for everyone.
2. Citroen e-C3
If you’re after a no-nonsense small car which does all the basics very well at a low price, the Citroen e-C3 should be on your shortlist.
- Prices from £18,495
- Best for comfort
Bagging the coveted title of Auto Express Car of the Year is no easy feat, and yet the Citroen e-C3 is such a great all-rounder that it managed this incredibly difficult task at our 2024 New Car Awards.
It is by no means a premium car, but that’s not what this electric supermini is about. Instead, the e-C3 is an unashamedly budget-focused car that acts as a great entry point for those making their first foray into the electric car world. Plant your right foot and the little Citroen will take a leisurely stroll from 0-60mph in 11 seconds. This may seem like an eternity to performance enthusiasts, but for most regular drivers, this pace will do just fine and doesn’t feel out of its depth.
As is often the case with EVs, reduced performance equals more range, and the e-C3’s modest 44kWh battery can officially return up to 199 miles on a single charge. During testing at a varying range of speeds, we saw an average of 3.5 miles per kWh, which works out at around 153 miles in the real world. While this isn’t as many miles as the Citroen’s pricier rivals, it is quite a few more than most supermini drivers will realistically need to cover in a typical day. There’s also a smaller 30kWh battery pack available which can return up to 130 miles on a single charge and ideal if you drive mostly around town.
Rather than being a blisteringly quick groundbreaker that’s rammed full of gimmicks, the Citroen is a very simplistic car with a reassuring sense of familiarity about it. There are very few frills, but you will find proper buttons, kit you will actually use and just enough room for a family of four.
“It’s really refreshing to drive a modern car that doesn’t pretend to be sporty. The e-C3 is unashamedly about delivering comfort, and nails it. I hope that more everyday cars will follow its lead.” - Alex Ingram, contributor.
- Who will like it? The Citroen e-C3 is perfect if you have comfort at the top of your agenda.
- Who won't like it? If you want low running costs and don’t have access to a home wallbox charger, the e-C3 might not be for you.
3. Renault Clio E-Tech
The Renault Clio has been around for well over three-and-a-half decades and the current version is one of the best yet.
- Prices from £21,800
The Renault Clio is one of the best superminis currently on the market in any form, but it’s the hybrid E-Tech version we’ve opted for here as it offers a great combination of efficiency, performance and, of course, an automatic gearbox.
The current Clio’s time is almost up as a fresh next-gen model has been revealed and will hit UK roads in 2027. While the new car is a little way away, for now, the current version of this stylish supermini is still a fierce contender in the sector, particularly in hybrid form. On the move, the Clio feels as refined as many larger hatchbacks, and that’s a very good thing. The petrol engine is a bit eager to kick in compared to some other hybrid cars out there, but the transition from electric to combustion is a smooth one.
When it is running, the 1.6-litre engine in question is far from thirsty. Officially, the Clio E-Tech can return up to 65.7mpg on the WLTP combined cycle which is almost achievable. We ran a hybrid Renault Clio over six months and over 5,500 miles and saw a fuel efficiency figure of 63.4mpg.
While there’s no shortage of plastic to be found inside the Clio, everything does feel sturdily put together. As this is an older model, you won’t find the same Google-based tech that’s featured in the Renault 5, but the Clio still has a decent 9.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that we found easy to operate, albeit a little sluggish at times. Renault’s supermini also boasts one of the largest boots in the class, measuring at 391 litres.
“While the Clio is larger than the Toyota Yaris, it’s no harder to manoeuvre at low speeds, plus it has a smaller turning circle that enhances its ability in town.” - Dean Gibson, senior road test editor.
- Who will like it? If you value driving dynamics, the Clio can be pretty fun on a twisty road.
- Who won't like it? Some people still have hang-ups when it comes to French car reliability.
4. Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is priced at a premium, but we think it’s well worth the money.
- Prices from £23,945
- Best for fuel efficiency
It’s undoubtedly much funkier to behold than its predecessors, but the latest Toyota Yaris still has efficiency firmly at the top of its priorities list.
The entirety of the standard Toyota Yaris line-up comes with an automatic gearbox (barring the spicy GR Yaris), and this supermini is enjoyably stress-free to drive.
Unlike the Clio E-Tech mentioned above, the Yaris’s hybrid powertrain is reluctant to bring in the petrol engine at slower speeds, so in-town driving is often near-silent as the car runs on purely electric power. When hitting the open road, the experience does get a bit noisier, although it does handle well enough when faced with a corner. Just don’t go expecting too many driving thrills.
What you can reasonably expect instead of fun is frugality. The Yaris officially returns up to 68.9mpg, and the fact that we achieved 65mpg during testing proves that you won’t need laboratory conditions to see this sort of figure day-to-day. It isn’t too costly to insure, either, ranging from groups 13 to 15. For comparison, the similarly-sized Honda Jazz starts from insurance group 21.
Much like the previous Yaris iterations, the current model’s interior is anything but a fashion statement. There’s plenty of greyness and plastic surfaces but, in typical Toyota fashion, we can’t fault the durability. If you’re particularly bothered about aesthetics, though, this could be a dealbreaker so we’d advise you to take a seat before buying.
“It’s around town where the Yaris shows off the best of its talents. Both the 114bhp and 128bhp versions feel similarly perky at low speeds, with plenty of initial shove provided almost instantaneously by the electric motor.” - Max Adams, online reviews editor.
- Who will like it? If you value peace of mind, the Toyota has a potential ten-year/100,000-mile warranty.
- Who won't like it? The Toyota Yaris isn’t one of the most practical small cars, which might put off small families.
5. MINI Cooper
If you want your small automatic car to be engaging and fun to drive, look no further than the MINI Cooper
- Prices from £25,465
- Best for handling
The MINI Cooper has been a hit with the car-buying public since BMW first relaunched the British icon back in the early 2000s, retaining the key aspects which made the original so popular: its keen handling, distinctive style and responsive engines.
Unlike MINIs of old, the current generation Cooper only comes with a slick seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. Around town it feels smooth and doesn’t suffer from a jerky power delivery in stop-start traffic.
On twisty roads, the Cooper simply comes alive. No matter which version you opt for, you won’t feel like you’ve been short-changed in the power department, with even the least-powerful Cooper being able to complete the 0-62mph sprint in under eight seconds. Of course, there’s also the hot MINI John Cooper Works for those who want the ultimate fast MINI experience.
Across the board, the Cooper feels nimble with its direct steering rack and taught suspension. While this will be fine for some, the ride can feel a bit jarring over potholes and rough roads in the UK.
You might think with a focus on a spirited driving experience would mean the Cooper is quite a thirsty car, but it isn’t as thirsty as you might think. According to MINI, the entry-level Cooper C can return 48mpg on the WLTP combined efficiency cycle, while the more powerful Cooper S and John Cooper Works cars can return 45.6mpg and 42.8mpg respectively.
We ran a Cooper JCW as part of a long-term test and saw an efficiency figure of only 38.6mpg, but it’s worth noting that we did take the car on track and enjoyed quite a few B-road blasts.
MINI has a pretty good reputation for creating small premium cars, and the Cooper’s cabin feels nicely assembled. It’s a high-class affair, too, with recycled materials used in clever ways across the dash, as well as a very crisp central touchscreen. Venture into the back of the car and you’ll notice it’s quite cramped but the option of a five-door does help boost versatility. The boot itself will also lug up to 210 litres if you get the three-door, or 275 litres in five-door guise.
"For an extra £1,000 the MINI 5-door adds some much-needed practicality to the mix. Unfortunately it comes with slightly awkward looks when compared with the cleaner lines of the three-door model, but the extra doors and larger boot are worth paying for if you’re looking to boost the MINI’s versatility." - Dean Gibson, senior road test editor.
- Who will like it? Those looking for a keen driver's car or a small hot hatch.
- Who won't like it? If you carry bulky items in the boot or rear passengers regularly, you might want to avoid the Cooper.
6. Jeep Avenger
Boxy and rugged, the Jeep Avenger is proof that even small cars can venture off-road.
- Prices from £26,495
- Best for off-road driving
Compared to its bulky, off-roading counterparts, the Jeep Avenger looks positively tiny, but this actually works to its advantage.
The vast majority of Britain’s motorists (especially those in the market for a smaller car) spend their time firmly planted on the tarmac rather than off of it. In keeping with the brand’s tradition, though, the Avenger has a notable amount of ground clearance, and this heightened driving position contributes towards excellent all-round visibility. We found that this made the Avenger one of the easier SUVs to drive both in town and on the motorway.
If you want an automatic gearbox, you’ll have to forego the entry-level petrol models. While this does bump up the starting price, you’ll be able to choose from a mild-hybrid or fully electric model. The mild-hybrid can return up to 57.6mpg on the WLTP combined cycle (another thing it doesn't have in common with fully-sized Jeeps), but the electric car is the star of the efficiency show.
Officially, the electric Avenger comes with a 54kWh battery and can return up to 248 miles of range. When we tested the Jeeps’ real-world efficiency against a Mazda MX-30, the Jeep annihilated its rival with an average of 4.3 miles per kWh compared to the Mazda’s 3.6.
Take one look at the baby Jeep and you’ll struggle not to be charmed by its chunky styling, but venture inside and you’ll be greeted by a cabin that’s equally tough and filled with nifty ‘Easter egg’ touches to make you smile. These additions include a plethora of Wrangler-inspired design motifs.
The essentials are all there, too, including a responsive 10.25-inch touchscreen. The hybrid car’s 321 litre boot is a pretty decent size, too, although the EV’s batteries cut this down to a meagre 282 litres. To at least partly make up for this, Jeep has adorned the Avenger with several storage cubbies.
“The Avenger does a good job of dealing with harsh potholes at low speeds, because the suspension soaks them up without too much crash into the cabin.” - Shane Wilkinson, senior content editor.
- Who will like it? The Avenger is also available with all-wheel drive and will suit those who want to take their car off-road occasionally.
- Who won't like it? Some people might be put off by the parts-sharing between the Avenger and closely-related Stellantis cars like the Fiat 600 and Peugeot 2008.
7. BYD Dolphin Surf
BYD might still be a newcomer in the UK but the Dolphin Surf clearly makes a splash where it counts.
- Prices from £18,675
Chinese car brands have been making waves here in the UK over the past few years and while some buyers might be apprehensive about buying from a relatively unknown brand, you’re in safe hands when it comes to the BYD Dolphin Surf as it’s made by one of the largest EV makers in the world.
BYD’s UK presence is growing at a healthy pace, and the Dolphin Surf is one of its more recent arrivals. It demonstrates strong value for money with a starting price of under £19,000.
For this, you get an all-electric powertrain with a 30kWh battery and a range of up to 137 miles which should be plenty for nipping around town. Step up to the mid-range Boost trim and you get a larger 43.2kWh battery pack with a 200 mile range (according to BYD) and would be our car of choice.
On the road, the Dolphin Surf has been set up more for comfort than thrills. There’s a little bit of body roll if you take a corner too quickly, but the upside is a soft and comfortable ride that absorbs all but the worst speed bumps and potholes.
While the larger BYD Atto 3 features gimmicks like guitar string door pockets that will wow musicians and infuriate parents, the Dolphin Surf sticks mainly with the sensible kit. The materials aren’t particularly expensive, but some carefully thought-out design and application mean the cabin should be hard-wearing, if a little bland looking. The kit list is pretty generous with rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and adaptive cruise control as standard, plus there’s also a rotating touchscreen in the centre of the dash.
The Dolphin Surf is classed as a city car, but it’s actually pretty roomy and can easily carry four adults in relative comfort, something which can’t be said for some rivals. The boot space stands at 308 litres, which is the same as the Vauxhall Corsa in the supermini class above.
“On the move, there's only the slightest whine detectable from the electric motor in the Dolphin Surf at low speeds, making it extremely quiet in town driving.” - Ellis Hyde, news reporter.
- Who will like it? The attractive starting price will be enticing for budget-conscious buyers who want an electric car.
- Who won't like it? Some people are wary of Chinese car brands.
8. Skoda Fabia
If you want the space of a large car without the associated bulk and running costs, the Skoda Fabia is a great option.
- Prices from £21,055
The Skoda Fabia is a big exception to the stereotype that small cars can’t be practical.
While the latest Fabia has grown quite considerably compared to the original, it’s also grown up in terms of general quality. The compact Skoda is refined, quiet and copes with most of the UK’s varying road surfaces.
However, as you may have expected, this calm and grown up approach means there’s very little in the way of driving entertainment. While the Fabia vRS is now a thing of the past, Skoda recently introduced the Fabia 130 warm-hatch which is filling the hot hatch hole for now .
There are three turbocharged petrol engine options in the line-up, and all come with the choice of a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission (the base MPI model is only mated to a five-speed manual). The use of dual-clutch tech keeps the auto’s gear changes nice and smooth, while every variant, including the Fabia 130, can top the 50mpg mark.
The ‘grown-up’ theme continues inside, and while the cabin is starting to feel a tad on the dated side compared to VW Group’s more recent arrivals, it’s still a pleasingly ergonomic and simple layout.
In order to boost practicality, the Fabia is now only available in five-door form. There’s also an exceptional amount of passenger room in the back, while the 380 litre boot tops several superminis including the Fabia’s own siblings; the Volkswagen Polo and SEAT Ibiza. In fact, it’s the same size as you’ll find in a VW Golf.
“The Fabia focuses on comfort rather than performance and delivers an easy, relaxing drive. The soft suspension results in more body roll while cornering than expected, but the suspension in the Fabia maintains a smooth low-speed ride.” - Ellis Hyde, news reporter.
- Who will like it? Buyers who want big-car levels of practicality in a small car package will like the Fabia.
- Who won't like it? Not all buyers are convinced by the image of the Skoda brand.
9. Dacia Spring
Dacia is well-known for building cars which are good value for money but the Spring takes that fight into the electric car ring.
- Prices from £15,990
With a starting price of just under £16,000, the Dacia Spring is one of the cheapest electric cars you can currently buy. While the Spring comes with some sacrifices, it truly shines as a wallet-friendly runaround.
Not only is the Spring one of the cheapest EVs on the market, but it’s also one of the smallest. While this impedes its practical abilities (more on that in a moment), it does make this EV ridiculously easy to drive and park. Make no mistake, this is no hot hatch nor is it a motorway cruiser, but the Spring feels very much at home on the city streets, and an elevated driving position means visibility is top-notch, too.
So why isn’t it a hot hatch or motorway cruiser? Well, power and range are best described as humble. There are two variants to choose from and both return a maximum of 140 miles on the WLTP combined cycle. The difference between the two models boils down mostly to the level of power on offer; 69bhp or 99bhp.
These numbers may strike fear into the high-speed, long-distance driver, but they’re pretty much spot on for zipping out to the shops or dashing through the urban sprawl. Let’s face it, when was the last time you reached more than 30mph in the city?
The best way to look at the Dacia Spring is as a back-to-basics, low-cost runaround that happens to be electric. Once you’re seated, the tinny sound of the door closing will quickly remind you of this car’s bargain-basement ethos, but the kit levels will soften the blow. Smartphone connectivity, air-conditioning and parking sensors are all present and correct.
Passenger space is as snug as you’d probably expect, and the rear seats are best saved for the smallest occupants. That being said, the boot is surprisingly capacious at 308 litres. If you’re planning on carrying cargo far more often than people, there’s also a van version, the Dacia Spring Cargo. This has two seats and 1,085 litres of load space — great for tip runs and furniture shopping.
“Simplicity can be seen everywhere, from the single windscreen wiper and washer jet, to the steel wheels. This is simple motoring without unnecessary fripperies or any pretence to be sporty or posh.” – Alex Ingram, contributor.
- Who will like it? Buyers looking for a second car or urban runaround will be well-catered for.
- Who won't like it? The lack of luxuries might be off-putting to some.
10. Vauxhall Corsa Electric
The Vauxhall Corsa is a stalwart of the supermini sector and it makes for an ideal first electric car.
- Prices from £27,500
Plenty of UK drivers are familiar with the Vauxhall Corsa, so the Corsa Electric is an attractively familiar way to make the switch to an EV.
There’s genuinely very little to differentiate between this zero-emission supermini from its combustion-powered sibling, aside from what’s lurking underneath the bonnet. The Corsa Electric is just as simple to drive as its petrol sibling, if not a teeny bit easier thanks to the automatic transmission and the electric powertrain.
Rather than winning drag races, the Corsa Electric will continue up to, and then settle at, motorway speeds with little fuss. Performance is peppy without being silly like some EVs, and this is one reason why this model appears to be striking a chord with learners and new drivers.
The battery range is a sensible proposition, too, at up to 266 miles on the WLTP combined cycle. This is overshadowed by the new MG4’s 338 mile maximum range, but it still means longer-distance commutes are very much on the cards. A sub-£27,000 starting price also means this is an EV that steers well clear of the Luxury Car Tax.
The Corsa Electric’s cabin has been lifted straight from the combustion car, so there’s virtually nothing to help it stand out. Our road testers like this approach, though, as it makes the Corsa a very easy car to fathom and get along with.
There’s plenty of space for two adult passengers up front, but the rear seats are a little tight for taller occupants. One area where the electric Corsa does differ from the combustion model, though, is boot space. While the standard car has 309 litres on offer, the EV makes do with only 267.
“Visibility is obstructed by thick roof pillars and a small back window, which is why opting for mid-range GS is likely a good idea, because this trim comes with front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera.” - Max Adams, online reviews editor.
- Who will like it? Those looking for a car which is easy to drive and live with.
- Who won't like it? The Corsa has been plagued with recalls and reliability issues recently.
Latest Vauxhall Corsa Electric deals
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. In the case of EVs that don’t have a gearbox but offer a similar driving experience, refinement is off the charts.
Combustion and hybrid cars have seen technological improvements such as dual-clutch gearboxes, multi-speed torque converters and Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT), which has seen these cars offer a far smoother, more responsive experience.
Whether you opt for combustion or electricity, small automatic cars can make a lot of sense, particularly for those living in the city. Stop-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 car to deal with the seemingly endless gear changes.
Fuel efficiency is another area where small automatics have improved. Modern automatic gearboxes are often just as fuel efficient as their manual counterparts, and in some cases even more so. Alternatively, if you opt for an EV, you’ll save a small fortune if you charge it at home. Either way, you’re looking at lower running costs.
Key updates to best small automatic cars
13 March 2026: The MINI Cooper and BYD Dolphin Surf added in fifth and seventh place respectively. BYD Dolphin and Honda Jazz, formerly in sixth and tenth position, have been replaced.
Not too fussed about size? Take a look at more of the best automatic cars...
