Best Small Automatic Cars

If your commute generally includes navigating lots of stop-and-go traffic hotspots or you’re attracted by the prospect of your left-foot a break when driving, then an automatic car might well be for you.

Better yet, if you’re after a small automatic car then there is wealth of excellent options out there.

Indeed, small cars and automatic transmissions make perfect bedfellows.

With compact dimensions and light controls, small cars are already designed to be easy to manoeuvre. However, negating the need to change gears too just emphasises the easy-going nature of these small cars

Here are some of the best small automatic cars you can buy at Vertu right now.

Skoda Fabia DSG

As part of the Volkswagen Group, Skoda – along with SEAT - can make use of VW’s patented, acclaimed dual-clutch DSG automatic gearbox.

DSG works by using two separate clutches to pre-select gears (one for odd gear ratios, the other for even gear ratios) to allow for faster, seamless shifts.

Suffice to say it works with great precision in the Skoda Fabia, which builds on the strengths of the Volkswagen Polo – upon which it is based - to offer excellent build quality, low insurance costs and efficient 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre engines, both of which are available with automatic gearboxes.

However, what sets the Fabia apart from the Polo is the larger size, which translates to a spacious interior and a class-leading 380-litres of boot space.

MINI Cooper Steptronic

A car that has earned a global reputation for its agile go-kart like handling and responsive engines, the latest MINI Cooper complements this character with the use of a clever Steptronic gearbox.

It gives drivers the choice of driving the MINI in either seven-speed dual-clutch automatic mode, or in a more engaging manual mode. The latter is achieved by either using a sequential shift on the gear lever, or with paddles located behind the steering wheel for the full race car effect.

The Steptronic gearbox simply builds on the MINI Cooper’s involving driving experience when mated to either a 1.5-litre engine generating 154bhp or a 2.0-litre engine offering 201bhp.

Better yet, unlike previous versions of the MINI Cooper, it can now be had in either traditional three-door specification or more practical five-door guise.

Renault Clio Auto

As one of the most accomplished small cars you can buy outright, it stands to reason that the automatic version of the Renault Clio is also a must-feature on your prospective new car wish list.

While the Renault Clio automatic is only available with the 1.6-litre E-Tech engine, it is arguably the choice of the entire range with the mild-hybrid system generating 142bhp while delivering superior 68mpg in fuel economy.

With slick shifts, the automatic gearbox works in tandem with the Clio’s nippy, yet refined experience behind the wheel, whether driving in town or on the motorway.

It also comes with a mature, high-end interior and is full of safety kit while ranking as one of the most affordable small cars you can buy.

Toyota Yaris CVT

If you’re likely to have a keen eye on running costs when you get your new car, the Toyota Yaris makes for a compelling option with its excellent self-charging hybrid system and CVT gearbox.

Indeed, if you’ve taken an interest in electric but are put off by the higher initial outlay or don’t have immediate access to recharging facilities – or both – then the Yaris is an excellent alternative.

By mating a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a small battery, the Yaris can operate at modest speeds on electric power alone, which has the effect of significantly improving fuel economy – over 70mpg – and reducing emissions too.

That the Yaris is stylish, well-built, fun to drive and comes with an industry-leading ten-year warranty is just the icing on a very tasty cake.

Honda Jazz eCVT

Don’t be fooled into thinking a supermini isn’t up to the task of transporting a whole family, because the ground-breaking Honda Jazz has been dispelling those myths for years with its superb TARDIS-like packaging.

With its tall roofline and generous wheelbase, the Jazz offers class-leading interior space.

Better yet, its so-called ‘Magic Seats’ can do all sorts of acrobats that allow you to carry five passengers and cargo with room to spare… and all without taking up much space on the city streets.

Which is just as well, because the Jazz excels as a frugal city car, either with a eCVT gearbox or the more modern e:HEV system which toggles between petrol and two small electric motors for improved efficiency and almost 60mpg fuel economy.

BYD Dolphin

Purchasing an electric car – with its linear acceleration - means it’ll likely come with an automatic transmission as standard. With this in mind, there are therefore myriad excellent electric small car options out there to suit your needs.

However, for those seeking a particularly spacious, affordable to buy and cheap-to-run small electric car, the BYD Dolphin offers excellent value-for-money.

With its upright hatchback profile, the tall roofline and long wheelbase allows for superb head and legroom, while drivers will benefit from a stylish, well-equipped and good quality interior.

Available for around £30,000*, the Dolphin gets a punchy 60kWh battery that is good for 265-miles of range.

* OTR prices correct as of February 2026