Best small cars with an automatic gearbox

As more drivers switch to an automatic gearbox, we run through the best smaller options

With each passing year, more and more drivers are switching to an automatic gearbox instead of a traditional manual. 

According to the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency (DVSA), a total of 324,064 driving tests from 2022 to 2023 were completed in an automatic car. 

While it’s still far from the 1.36 million manual tests taken in the same period, it’s still an increase of 360% compared to 15 years ago.  

There are a few reasons why this might be, including the rising number of electric cars which don’t have a traditional gearbox, plus the ever-falling number of cars on sale that offer them. 

That also means many new drivers will be hunting for their first car with an automatic gearbox, and those on a lower budget will be looking at many of the great small car options on sale in the UK. 

But enough waffle. Which are the best small cars with an automatic gearbox on sale in the UK right now? Check out our top ten list below. To be clear, we’ve excluded electric cars from this list.

*The best small cars with an automatic gearbox*