Automatic cars are great for anyone who wants to have an easier time driving. Since cars with automatic transmissions have torque converters that do the hard work, all you have to think about is whether you want to start the engine, go forward, backwards, or stop.
Driving with an automatic car is so much smoother and less frustrating and tiring, especially when you’re in a start-stop traffic situation during rush hour.
If you haven’t found the best automatic car that suits you, here are our top suggestions!
Best Automatic UK Family Car
Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40 is one of the best premium small SUVs in the market today. If you’re looking for a family car that combines comfort, space, and a smooth driving experience, the XC40 is a car you should definitely consider.
Here are some key factors that contribute to the appeal of the Volvo XC40:
Safety
Volvo has a strong reputation for safety, and the XC40 upholds this tradition. It has a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.
Contemporary Design
The XC40 features a modern and stylish design, both inside and out. It has a distinctive and attractive appearance, with a bold front grille, sculpted lines, and distinctive Thor's Hammer LED headlights.
Spacious Interior
Despite its compact size, the XC40 offers a roomy and well-designed interior with comfortable seats and ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cargo area is also practical, making it suitable for various lifestyles.
High-Quality Materials
Volvo places a strong emphasis on interior quality, and the XC40 features premium materials, soft-touch surfaces, and attention to detail, providing a luxurious feel.
Infotainment System
The XC40 often comes equipped with Volvo's Sensus infotainment system, which features a user-friendly touchscreen display.
It includes standard smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as available upgrades like a premium sound system.
Advanced Technology
In addition to the infotainment system, the XC40 offers advanced technology options, such as a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and semi-autonomous driving capabilities, enhancing convenience and safety.
Variety of Powertrains
The XC40 offers various powertrain options, including gasoline, diesel, and electric powertrains. This provides choices for different driving preferences and drivers looking for environmentally friendly options.
The Volvo XC40 is one of the best small SUVs because of its fresh looks, combining the best features of an SUV while keeping its dimensions compact enough that it’s as manageable as driving a hatchback.
Most Practical Automatic Car
Volkswagen Polo
Don’t let this supermini deceive you. Even if it’s a small car, you’ll be surprised at how spacious it actually is. The Polo rivals many premium superminis, including the Audi A1 and the MINI.
The Volkswagen Polo features a combination of qualities that appeal to a wide range of drivers. Here are some factors that make this model appealing to many:
Build Quality
Volkswagen is known for its build quality, and the Polo reflects this reputation. It features a solid and well-constructed body, providing a sense of durability and longevity.
Safety Features
The Polo typically comes equipped with advanced safety features, such as multiple airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and modern driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Fuel Efficiency
The Polo is often praised for its fuel-efficient engines. This model offers good fuel economy, helping owners save money on fuel costs.
Comfortable Interior
Despite being a compact car, the Polo has a comfortable and well-designed interior made with quality materials. It provides ample space for passengers, and the seats are well-supported, making long journeys more comfortable.
User-Friendly Infotainment
The Polo is equipped with Volkswagen's user-friendly infotainment system, offering features like touchscreen displays, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and navigation.
Smooth Ride
The Polo is known for its smooth and composed ride quality, which makes it comfortable for daily commutes and longer trips.
Easy to Park
Its compact dimensions and good visibility make the Polo easy to manoeuvre and park in urban environments.
Volkswagen has really put the work into making the Polo highly competitive by fitting it with the latest turbocharged engines and other important features.
The VW Polo is already in its sixth generation, so you can expect a lot of improvement since it was first introduced to the market.
Best Small Automatic Hybrid Car
Toyota Yaris
What is the best small automatic car to buy? If you’re looking for a smaller car, maybe this supermini from Toyota is the car for you. Yaris has all the key qualities you’d want in a small automatic hybrid car.
Here are some factors that make the Toyota Yaris a good hybrid car:
Fuel Efficiency
The primary advantage of a hybrid car like the Yaris Hybrid is its excellent fuel efficiency. The combination of a petrol engine and an electric motor allows it to achieve impressive miles per gallon (MPG) ratings, reducing the need for frequent refuelling and saving money on fuel costs.
Low Emissions
Hybrid vehicles produce fewer emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-powered cars. The Yaris Hybrid's lower emissions contribute to a smaller environmental footprint and can be an attractive option for environmentally conscious buyers.
Compact Size
The Yaris Hybrid retains the compact dimensions of the regular Yaris, making it easy to navigate and park in urban environments. Its small size is particularly advantageous for city driving.
Reliability
Toyota has a strong reputation for reliability, and the Yaris Hybrid is expected to be a dependable and long-lasting vehicle. This can reduce maintenance costs and provide peace of mind to owners.
Quiet Operation
Hybrid cars operate quietly, especially when running on electric power alone. This can provide a peaceful and comfortable driving experience, particularly in urban settings.
Regenerative Braking
The Yaris Hybrid features regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy during braking into electricity to recharge the hybrid battery. This feature helps improve fuel efficiency and extends the life of the brake pads.
Advanced Safety Features
Yaris Hybrid models come equipped with advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection, enhancing safety during driving.
The latest Yaris models are more sporty-looking compared to the earlier versions. With a shorter length and lower roofline, this supermini looks a lot more muscular, especially with its metallic paint finishes.
The Toyota Yaris is definitely one of the top contenders when it comes to the best superminis today.
Best Electric Automatic Car
Vauxhall Corsa-e
If you want to drive an environmentally friendly automatic car, the best one to consider is the Corsa-e. This Vauxhall supermini has been around for a long time, and its fully electric version has been the best-selling EV in the UK in recent years.
Here are some of the features we love about the Vauxhall Corsa-e:
Zero Emissions
As an electric car, the Corsa-e produces zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to reduced air pollution and a smaller carbon footprint.
Driving an environmentally friendly car like the Corsa-e is increasingly more common today, especially in urban areas with emissions regulations.
Fuel Cost Savings
Electric vehicles are more energy-efficient and cost-effective to operate compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. Charging costs are lower than fuel costs, and EV owners often benefit from reduced maintenance expenses.
Silent Operation
Electric vehicles run silently, providing a quiet and comfortable driving experience. This can be especially appreciated during city driving, reducing noise pollution.
Instant Torque
Electric motors deliver instant torque, resulting in quick acceleration and responsive performance. The Corsa-e's electric powertrain provides lively and enjoyable driving characteristics.
Range
The Corsa-e offers a competitive range on a single charge, allowing for daily commuting and longer trips without frequent recharging.
Regenerative Braking
The Corsa-e features regenerative braking, which helps recharge the battery when slowing down or braking, improving energy efficiency and extending driving range.
Charging Options
The Corsa-e can be charged at home using a standard wall outlet or a dedicated EV charging station. Fast charging options are available at public charging stations if you need to recharge your EV quickly.
Ease of Use
The Corsa-e retains the practicality and ease of use of the regular Corsa, making it accessible and user-friendly for a wide range of drivers.
For a city car, you’ll have a grand time driving the Corsa-e. But you can drive this EV through country roads as well and still get the agility and precise steering that this Vauxhall car is best known for.
Best Secondhand Automatic Car
Toyota Aygo
Should I buy new or used? If you have a tight budget, you’d want to make the most of it and find the best secondhand car that meets your requirements. One of the most sought-after small automatic cars is the Toyota Aygo.
The Toyota Aygo is a compact city car that has been produced by Toyota since 2005. It is part of the A-segment of small cars and is designed primarily for urban driving, offering compact dimensions, good fuel efficiency, and practicality for city commutes.
Here are some key characteristics and features of the Toyota Aygo:
Compact Size
The Aygo is a very compact car, making it easy to manoeuvre and park in crowded urban environments. Its small size and tight turning radius make it ideal for city driving.
Three- and Five-Door Versions
The Aygo is available in both three-door and five-door body styles, providing flexibility for different preferences and needs.
Fuel Efficiency
The Aygo is equipped with small, fuel-efficient engines that are designed for urban driving. It offers good fuel economy, reducing running costs.
Distinctive Styling
The Aygo features distinctive and youthful styling, with a bold front grille, sharp lines, and unique colour options. It's known for its customisable appearance, allowing buyers to personalise their cars with various trim and accessory options.
Toyota is known for its reputation for reliability and durability, and the Aygo is one of the best examples of a dependable and low-maintenance vehicle.
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