Let’s be honest, for years the automatic gearbox was the poor relation in the small car world. Often clunky, inefficient and expensive, it was an option few buyers ticked unless they absolutely had to. But times have changed. Modern automatics are a world away from their ancestors; they’re now slick, smart, and often more economical than their manual counterparts, turning the chore of stop-start city driving into a far more relaxing experience.
The good news is that there’s now a fantastic range of small automatic cars to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re after a premium supermini with a sophisticated dual-clutch gearbox, an ultra-practical hybrid that’s automatic by default, or one of the new breed of small electric cars that offer the ultimate in smooth, single-speed simplicity, there’s never been more choice. This guide is here to help you find the perfect two-pedal partner for your daily drive.
The cars in this guide have been selected to represent the best options currently available. Our recommendations are the result of a unique three-part scoring system that takes into account real-world tests from our team of expert reviewers, ratings from real-life owners who live with these cars every day, and an analysis of market data from CarGurus UK to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good and great deals. This combined approach ensures our list highlights cars that are not only great to own but also good value to buy.
The Best Small Automatic Cars for 2026
- 2026 Hyundai i10
- 2026 Volkswagen Polo
- 2026 Skoda Fabia
- 2026 Toyota Yaris
- 2026 Honda Jazz
- 2026 Kia Picanto
- 2026 Suzuki Swift
- 2026 Audi A1
- 2026 Renault 5
- 2026 Citroen e-C3
1. 2026 Hyundai i10
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.8% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very practical for such a small car | Entry-level cars don't have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto |
| Economical and well equipped | No three-door version |
| Generous warranty | Not as much fun to drive as a Seat Ibiza |
The Hyundai i10 is a superb choice for those seeking a small automatic. While many come with a five-speed manual gearbox, both the 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre MPi petrol engines are available with a five-speed automatic transmission. This combination, along with the car’s light steering and impressively small turning circle, makes it a breeze to manoeuvre around town. It’s an exceptionally easy car to drive, feeling safe, secure, and planted on the road, whether you're navigating tight city streets or nipping through traffic.
Beyond its easy-going automatic gearbox, the i10 excels in practicality. Despite its compact exterior, it’s a versatile five-door with a surprisingly spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate four adults. The boot is a decent size for a city car at 252 litres, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats open up a very useful 1,050 litres of capacity. Inside, the dashboard is well thought-out, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen on most models and robust build quality, making the i10 a practical and user-friendly companion for daily driving.
The CarGurus Verdict: "This generation of i10 is one of the best small cars around, and sets a benchmark for others to follow. It’s smart, economical and well-equipped, and on top of that it’s comfortable, practical and good to drive, with a great reputation for reliability." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full Hyundai i10 review
2. 2026 Volkswagen Polo
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.5% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High quality interior | Not a cheap option |
| Impressive practicality | A Ford Fiesta is more fun |
| Sophisticated driving experience | GTI version isn’t very exciting to drive |
The Volkswagen Polo has long been a benchmark for sophisticated small cars, and it’s particularly impressive when fitted with an automatic gearbox. The seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic, available with the excellent 1.0-litre TSI petrol engines, provides smooth, almost seamless shifts that make town driving effortless, while also being responsive enough for confident motorway cruising. Paired with the Polo’s impressively comfortable ride and excellent refinement, the automatic version feels like a much larger, more expensive car. Whether you choose the 94bhp, the more powerful 113bhp engine, or the 204bhp GTI, the DSG gearbox makes the Polo an incredibly civilised and easy car to live with every day.
Inside, the Polo continues to impress with a cabin that feels a class above most rivals. The materials are high-quality, the design is clean and logical, and it’s packed with technology. Most versions come with a slick touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while stepping up to the popular Style trim adds desirable features like satellite navigation and dual-zone climate control. Practicality is another strong suit; there’s ample space for four adults and the 351-litre boot is one of the largest in the class, easily swallowing weekly shops or luggage for a weekend away. It’s this combination of a premium feel, generous equipment, and everyday usability that makes the automatic Polo such a compelling choice.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The VW Polo’s compliant suspension and sensational rolling refinement means it’s one of the most civilised cars of its type on the road, and the punchy engines and well-weighted controls make it a very easy car to drive as well." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Volkswagen Polo review
3. 2026 Skoda Fabia
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.8% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very roomy interior | Some weedy engine choices |
| Comfortable and easy to drive | So-so warranty offering |
| Good value for money | Monte Carlo feels no more exciting than any other Fabia |
The Skoda Fabia is a superb choice for those seeking a small automatic car that feels anything but small. Two punchy turbocharged petrol engine options are available with Volkswagen Group’s excellent seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. There’s an entry-level 1.0-litre with 114bhp, and a 1.5-litre unit with 148bhp, while the sporty ‘130’ special edition further tunes the latter to 175bhp. Whichever you choose, the DSG system provides smooth, effortless shifts that perfectly complement the Fabia’s grown-up driving manners. The car is impressively comfortable and quiet, soaking up bumps with ease and making both city driving and motorway journeys feel relaxed. Light, responsive steering adds to the easy-going nature, making it a doddle to park and manoeuvre.
Where the Fabia truly excels is in its practicality, offering a level of space that rivals cars from the class above. The boot is a cavernous 380 litres – bigger than a Ford Focus – and there’s ample legroom and headroom for passengers in the back. This big-car feel extends to the cabin quality, which is robust and sophisticated, especially in higher SE L trim. All versions are well-equipped, but stepping up from the basic model brings desirable features like alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, and an upgraded infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cementing the Fabia’s reputation for outstanding value.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Fabia is one of the roomiest and most practical cars of its type, with a boot big enough to shame many cars from the class above. This, combined with its grown-up driving experience and impressive comfort, makes it a fantastic value proposition." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Skoda Fabia review
4. 2026 Toyota Yaris
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very economical, especially around town | The ride is on the firm side |
| Fantastic GR Yaris hot hatch | Not as practical as a Honda Jazz |
| Plenty of safety kit as standard | No satnav on pre-facelift models |
Every Toyota Yaris comes with a CVT-style automatic gearbox as standard, making it an ideal choice for those who want a simple, stress-free driving experience. The hybrid system, which combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, is perky and responsive, perfect for nipping through city traffic. Buyers can choose between a 114bhp version or a more powerful 128bhp model available in top-spec post-facelift cars. While the ride can feel a little firm on rougher surfaces, the light steering and agile feel make it incredibly easy to manoeuvre, and it’s quiet and composed when cruising.
The Yaris’s biggest selling point as a small automatic is its exceptional fuel economy. As a hybrid-only model, it’s capable of returning between 60-65mpg in real-world driving, particularly around town where the electric motor does most of the work. This makes it one of the cheapest small cars to run. While its 286-litre boot isn't the largest in the class, it’s perfectly adequate for weekly shops or weekend trips. Combined with its striking looks, generous standard equipment, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability, the Yaris is a stylish and sensible package.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Beneath its eye-catching lines, the Yaris is a car of real talent. It’s also easy to drive, well equipped and decent value, with running costs that should mean you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Toyota Yaris review
5. 2026 Honda Jazz
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.1% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Space and clever seating make the Jazz very practical | Rivals from Renault and Toyota have longer warranties |
| Slick infotainment system | Not as much fun to drive as a Ford Fiesta |
| Expect very good reliability | Noisy petrol engine and CVT combo |
The Honda Jazz is a superb choice for anyone seeking a small automatic car, primarily because every model since 2020 comes with a hybrid powertrain and a smooth CVT automatic gearbox as standard. This makes it very easy to drive, especially around town. The electric motor provides instant response from a standstill, allowing you to nip into gaps in traffic effortlessly, while the excellent visibility from its large windows and slim pillars makes parking a doddle. It’s a car designed for maximum ease of use, and its standard automatic transmission is central to that appeal.
Beyond the city limits, the Jazz remains a composed and capable companion. The ride is quiet and smooth on most surfaces, and it feels stable and secure on the motorway. While the 1.5 litre petrol engine can become noisy under hard acceleration due to the nature of the CVT gearbox, it provides plenty of punch for keeping up with traffic. This practicality extends to its interior, which offers more space than most rivals and a useful 304-litre boot. It all combines to make the Jazz a brilliantly versatile and user-friendly small automatic.
The CarGurus Verdict: "That hybrid powertrain isn’t the quietest, but it is economical, and makes the Jazz a doddle to drive. It’s comfortable whether you’re bimbling round town or cruising on the motorway, too." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full Honda Jazz review
6. 2026 Kia Picanto
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.1 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Decent-sized boot for a city car | Ride could be smoother |
| Long warranty from new | No electric version |
| Low running costs | Entry-level 1 trim lacks key equipment |
The Kia Picanto is another strong contender in the small automatic market, offering a choice of self-shifting gearboxes across its life. Pre-2024 models can be found with a conventional four-speed automatic, which is best paired with the more capable 83bhp 1.25-litre petrol engine for a blend of city-friendly response and motorway usability. Later models switched to a five-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). Whichever you choose, the Picanto’s light steering and compact dimensions make it a breeze to manoeuvre and park in tight urban spaces, while its composed handling inspires confidence.
Practicality is a real highlight for a car of this size. The 255-litre boot is one of the most generous in the city car class, easily swallowing a weekly shop or a couple of weekend bags. Inside, the cabin is well-built and smartly designed. Standard equipment is generous on the latest versions, even on the entry-level ‘Pure’ trim, with modern touchscreens and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This, combined with Kia’s unbeatable seven-year warranty from new, makes the Picanto an incredibly sensible and easy-to-own small automatic.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Kia has put together a cracking small car in this latest Picanto, and it ticks plenty of boxes for customers. In short, it’s a well-equipped and comfortable supermini that drives well and looks good, too." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Kia Picanto review
7. 2026 Suzuki Swift
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.1 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.7% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fun to drive | Not as cheap as it once was |
| Low running costs | Small boot for the supermini class |
| Well equipped as standard | Rivals offer more passenger space |
All Swifts come with a single 1.2-litre, 81bhp three-cylinder petrol engine, which is boosted by a mild-hybrid system for better efficiency. For those who want to ditch the clutch pedal, there's a smooth CVT automatic gearbox available. While not blisteringly quick, with a 0-62mph time of 11.9 seconds, the engine feels willing and the car's low weight makes it feel agile and responsive. The steering is direct and well-weighted, making the Swift genuinely fun to drive, especially around town where its small size is a real asset.
The Swift’s focus on low weight pays off when it comes to running costs, with impressive fuel economy at 60.1mpg that helps keep trips to the petrol station infrequent. Even when driven with enthusiasm, the Swift sips fuel, and the mild-hybrid system helps provide a welcome boost at low revs, making it feel sprightly away from the lights. While the boot is smaller than some rivals at 265 litres, the car is packed with standard equipment across both trim levels, including a 9.0-inch touchscreen and a full suite of active safety systems, making it excellent value.
The CarGurus Verdict: "This latest model is the best yet, and what it lacks in boot space, it makes up for in dynamic verve, low running costs, and stacks of standard equipment. If you’re in the market for a small car, the Swift should really be in your top-three choices for consideration." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Suzuki Swift review
8. 2026 Audi A1
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.5% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Understated good looks | Pricey compared to similar cars with mainstream badges |
| Very practical for a small car | Firm ride when fitted with big alloy wheels |
| Free-revving petrol engines | No electric or hybrid version |
As with its sister cars, the Polo and Fabia, the Audi A1 is a good choice for those wanting a small car with a sophisticated automatic gearbox. Most engines in the range can be paired with Audi’s excellent seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic, which provides smooth, fast shifts that make town driving effortless and motorway cruising relaxed. This grown-up feel extends to the whole driving experience; it’s a satisfying and easy car to pilot, with a range of sweet, free-revving petrol engines that feel right at home whether you’re nipping through city traffic or settling in for a long journey.
As well as being great to drive, the A1 is also impressively practical for a small car. Unlike some rivals, it comes as a five-door Sportback model only, making access to the rear seats easy. Once back there, passengers will find more room than in a MINI, and the 335-litre boot is one of the most generous in the class. The premium feel is reinforced by the high-quality interior, which is packed with technology borrowed from larger Audis, including a digital driver’s display and a crisp touchscreen infotainment system as standard. It’s a combination that makes the A1 feel like a much larger, more expensive car, just in a compact, city-friendly package.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Audi A1 feels usefully more premium than its mainstream rivals, offering a big boot by small car standards and a very grown-up feel. It’s a car you’d be happy to drive on the motorway thanks to its composed, stable driving experience and tech-filled interior." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
9. 2026 Renault 5
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.1% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.0 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Attractive styling and general sense of fun | Real-world range a little disappointing |
| Impressive levels of standard equipment at a competitive price | Some slightly flimsy-feeling switchgear |
| Plenty of interior space for a small car | Rear doors could open wider |
As an all-electric car, the Renault 5 is inherently automatic, offering a smooth and easy driving experience. The single-speed transmission provides instant, seamless acceleration, making it perfect for nipping through city traffic. The top-spec model offers a punchy 148bhp, while even the entry-level 121bhp version feels responsive and agile around town thanks to its quick steering and tight 10.3-metre turning circle. A simple 'B' mode enhances the regenerative braking, allowing for a more relaxed, one-pedal style of driving in stop-start conditions, which is a huge benefit for an everyday automatic.
Beyond its effortless powertrain, the Renault 5 is a practical small car. It’s a five-door as standard, and the 326-litre boot is larger than what you'll find in many rivals, easily accommodating a weekly shop or a lightweight buggy. The ride is pliant, soaking up bumps to deliver a relaxed journey whether you're on a school run or a motorway cruise. Inside, the cabin is user-friendly and well-equipped, with every model featuring a large 10-inch touchscreen and physical buttons for the climate controls, making it a comfortable and hassle-free environment for any driver.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Renault 5 is a brilliant little electric car. It’s got the functionality, value and common-sense stuff sorted, yet it’s also good to drive and so brilliant to look at that it’s got real ‘want one’ appeal." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full Renault 5 review
10. 2026 Citroen e-C3
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 8.0% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.9 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very keenly priced | Not the fastest EV to charge |
| Appealing styling | Has no heat pump to improve efficiency |
| Good to drive | Boot features could be better |
As with the Reanult 5, the Citroen e-C3 is an electric car, which means it’s an automatic by nature, making it incredibly simple and relaxing to drive. Its 111bhp electric motor provides punchy enough performance for nipping around town, and while it’s not a rocket ship, it feels perfectly suited to its urban-focused design. Where the e-C3 really shines is its comfort; Citroen’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ suspension delivers a soft, pillowy ride that soaks up bumps beautifully. Combined with light, darty steering, it’s a wieldy and pleasant companion for daily driving, yet it remains stable and refined enough to handle the occasional motorway journey with ease.
Inside, the e-C3 continues to impress with a surprisingly smart and user-friendly cabin. The dashboard features nice textiles and physical buttons for the climate controls, which is a welcome touch. All models get a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making navigation and entertainment seamless. Practicality is strong for a small car, with more rear legroom than most rivals and a useful 310-litre boot that’s big enough for the weekly shop or a lightweight buggy. It’s a well-thought-out package that feels more premium than its budget price tag suggests.
The CarGurus Verdict: "A charming, comfortable, and brilliantly-priced small electric car. The e-C3 is pleasant to drive, has decent equipment levels and a useful range, making it one of the most likeable and capable budget EVs you can buy." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Citroen e-C3 review
FAQ
What is the best type of automatic gearbox for a small car?
There's no single 'best' type, as it depends on your priorities. Dual-clutch gearboxes (like VW's DSG or Audi's S tronic) offer fast, smooth shifts and are great for all-round driving. Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs), often found in hybrids like the Honda Jazz, are very smooth for town driving. Electric cars have a single-speed transmission, which is the simplest and smoothest of all. Some budget cars (the Fiat 500 and the latest Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10, for example) use Automated Manual Transmissions (AMTs), which can feel a bit jerky, so it's best to test-drive one to see if you like it. Read our full guide to the different types of automatic gearboxes.
Are small automatic cars less reliable?
Not necessarily. Modern automatic gearboxes are generally very reliable, provided they are serviced correctly. Some complex dual-clutch units have had issues in the past, but these are largely ironed out in newer models. Brands like Honda and Hyundai have an excellent reputation for reliability, and buying a car with a good service history is always the best policy.
Do automatic small cars use more fuel?
They used to, but that's rarely the case now. Modern automatics, especially dual-clutch and CVT types, are often just as efficient, and sometimes even more efficient, than their manual equivalents. Hybrid and electric cars, which are all automatic, are the most economical choices of all, particularly for town driving where they can run on electric power alone.
What is a dual-clutch automatic gearbox?
Think of it as two manual gearboxes working together, one for the odd-numbered gears and one for the even. A computer controls both, and while you're driving in one gear, it pre-selects the next. This means gear changes are incredibly fast and smooth, with almost no interruption in power. They are popular in cars from the Volkswagen Group (VW, Audi, SEAT, Skoda) and offer a great blend of performance and comfort.
Are electric cars a good choice for a small automatic?
They're an excellent choice. Because electric motors provide instant power and don't need a traditional gearbox, all EVs are automatic. They are incredibly quiet and smooth, making them very relaxing to drive in town. The instant response from the motor also makes them feel very nippy and perfect for diving into gaps in traffic. With zero tailpipe emissions and low running costs, they are ideal for city dwellers.
What should I look for when test-driving a used small automatic?
When you're on a test drive, pay close attention to the gearbox. It should shift smoothly without any loud clunks, jerks, or hesitation, both when accelerating gently and when asking for a burst of power. Check that it engages 'Drive' and 'Reverse' promptly from a standstill. For dual-clutch models, make sure low-speed manoeuvres like parking are smooth. Always ask to see the car's service history to ensure the gearbox has been maintained according to the manufacturer's schedule.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers - real owner experiences and current market value.
To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.
But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in user reviews and ratings gathered on CarGurus to get feedback from people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in January 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
