13 Best Cheapest Automatic Cars in the UK

Are you in the market for a reliable and affordable car that takes the hassle out of driving? Look no further than a cheap automatic car! With their easy-to-use automatic gearboxes, these vehicles offer convenience and comfort for drivers of all kinds. With many options to choose from in the used market, there’s bound to be one that suits your needs and budget.

Let’s ditch those manual cars and explore the top picks to find the cheapest automatic car in the UK. Carplus will be there to guide you through the financing process, so get ready for that, too!

1. Hyundai i10

The Hyundai i10 is a compact town car, one of the best cheap automatic cars, that offers a spacious interior, a modern infotainment system, and impressive ride quality, even on rough roads. It all holds up in used cars, too.

It’s available with different engine options, including a perky 1.0-litre and a more powerful 1.2-litre. The larger engine is better for highway driving, and the turbocharged 99bhp 1.0-litre provides excellent acceleration, particularly in heavy traffic. Plus, you can opt for a traditional torque-converter automatic gearbox for smooth gear shifts.

The i10 also accommodates up to five passengers comfortably, and there is enough room for taller individuals in both the front and rear seats.

2. Toyota Aygo

The Toyota Aygo is a stylish city car with smooth acceleration and efficient performance in a compact package.

The model is powered by a three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine, with later models being slightly more powerful. Diesel engines are rare, as they were only available for a brief period. The continuously variable transmission gearbox provides a convenient driving experience, though the engine may rev for longer periods during acceleration.

Despite its small size, the Aygo handles well with minimal body lean in corners and responsive steering for precise manoeuvring. The boot space is sufficient for groceries or a few small suitcases, so it’s practical for everyday use.

3. Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa is a value-packed small hatchback. For urban driving, the 1.2 and non-turbo 1.4 petrol engines suffice, while turbocharged options like the 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre variants are better suited for faster routes. The model with low emissions is the 95bhp 1.3 Ecoflex diesel.

The Vauxhall Corsa takes 9.3 seconds to reach 60 mph, but with the eight-speed automatic transmission, it’s almost a second slower at 10.3 seconds. It’s easy to manoeuvre and relatively quiet compared to its competitors.

The Corsa is spacious for a small car, especially in the five-door version with generous rear seats, and is fitted with classy materials.

4. MG ZS

The MG ZS offers an attractive exterior, generous interior space, and a comfortable ride. Being one of the best cheap automatic cars in the luxury segment, the model is equipped with a vocal 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. However, the engine may feel underpowered, especially when fully loaded. The automatic transmission can also be slow to shift gears compared to the more powerful 1.0-litre model.

Also, there is an all-electric MG ZS EV version available, which has an extended range up to 270 miles.

The ZS is easy to drive with adjustable steering for added assistance at low speeds. Overall, it’s a compelling option as a practical choice for small families.

5. Kia Picanto

When considering used examples for the city, the Kia Picanto makes a strong case with its excellent driving dynamics and stylish interior. You have a choice between petrol engines, including a 66bhp 1.0-litre, an 83bhp 1.25-litre, or a turbocharged 99bhp 1.0-litre. The 1.25-litre engine offers more power and refinement compared to the others.

Driving the Picanto around town is effortless because of its light steering and good visibility. However, some may find the ride slightly firm.

Inside, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the well-designed layout and noteworthy build quality. The plastics are hard, but they’re durable, and the cloth upholstery adds to the overall appeal. The interior space is also generous.

6. Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 is an affordable automatic car that has captured the hearts of many drivers. This charming and stylish vehicle comes with various engine options, including 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, a 0.9-litre two-cylinder Twinair engine, and a 1.3-litre diesel engine for those prioritising economy.

Starting from 2020, the latest generation has been sporting a mild hybrid version, and the electric version offers two battery options with ranges of 115 miles and 199 miles, respectively.

The Fiat 500 is also fuel-efficient — over 38mpg on the highway and up to 30mpg in the city, which is made possible by its innovative Multiair technology. Moreover, it’s considered one of the most fun small cars to drive.

7. Renault Zoe

The Renault Zoe is an affordable electric car that boasts punchy acceleration and an impressive range, surpassing many of its rivals. Official figures suggest a range of between 223 to 239 miles on a full charge. In the winter, you can typically travel 160-170 miles on a full charge, except if you’re driving aggressively on the motorway for long periods.

Despite its compact dimensions, the Zoe offers a surprisingly spacious feel inside. This is due to its large windows and upright driving position. Ride comfort is decent, especially at lower speeds, where it effectively absorbs bumps and road imperfections.

Also, the Zoe features a smart and reasonably high-quality interior, which you wouldn’t quite expect from a relatively cheap automatic car.

8. Toyota Yaris Hybrid

The Toyota Yaris is another top pick among the best cheap automatic cars — it’s great on fuel, super reliable, and packed with features.

No matter which trim you choose, the regular Toyota Yaris has a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, along with two electric motors, for a total of 114bhp. It accelerates moderately, taking around 9 seconds to go from 0 to 60. The only available transmission is a CVT automatic gearbox, which responds well but can be noisy when revving high during acceleration or uphill climbs.

Inside, the Yaris isn’t fancy to look at. But it feels comfortable and well-built, with features like gloss black trim on the centre console and quality fabric on the doors.

9. Škoda Superb

The Škoda Superb is an incredibly spacious automatic car, but there’s more — it’s also comfortable, well-built, generously equipped, and offers excellent value for money.

The entry-level 1.5 TSI 150 petrol engine provides surprising punchiness and is a recommended choice for its balance of performance and affordability. For more power, options include the livelier 2.0 TSI 190 or the 2.0 TSI 280. The 2.0 TDI 150 diesel engine isn’t particularly quick, but it offers a smooth ride and strong low-end power. There’s also a plug-in hybrid model available for those interested in low-speed electric driving.

Its interior is well-built and offers a premium feel, although some minor trim pieces feel much cheaper than in alternatives.

10. Peugeot 108

The Peugeot 108 is a decent choice if you’re looking for a cheap automatic car. It comes in both 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre engine options, where the latter offers more power but is a bit noisy when pushed. The 1.0-litre engine is suitable for city driving but struggles on steep hills or when you accelerate hard to merge onto a motorway.

The automatic versions actually have an automated manual transmission that feels fairly perky when you change gears.

Inside, the 108 feels budget-friendly but is surprisingly well-built, with a decent amount of space for luggage. It comes with plenty of features, including a responsive infotainment system, and offers a low running cost.

11. Citroën C1

There’s a charming and vibrant appeal to the characterful Citroën C1. It offers two engines on sale: the 1.0-litre VTi and the 1.2-litre Puretech. If you primarily drive in urban areas, the first option is a great fit. Its lightweight design and small size make it feel nimble and easy to manoeuvre. It’s fun to drive on twisty roads and offers good visibility.

There’s ample space in the front, but the rear seats are a bit cramped. Headroom is limited, especially in models with the retractable canvas roof. Overall, the C1 is affordable to run, and even though basic models may lack some equipment, it has a solid safety package.

12. Nissan Micra

The Nissan Micra has a plush interior and modern design, and offers excellent value for money.

The Micra is known for its comfortable ride, handling bumps and potholes with ease, although the sportier N-Sport model is slightly firmer. For city driving, the turbocharged 100hp 1.0-litre petrol engine with a CVT automatic transmission is sufficient.

Despite its size and price, the Micra’s cabin feels well-built. Just bear in mind that some advanced tech features and colourful trims come at an additional cost. Overall, with a starting price of under £2,000 on the used market, the Micra is a cheap option that blends both performance and safety features.

13. Suzuki Swift

The Suzuki Swift is a great option for those after a cheap automatic car. It’s fun to drive, very fuel-efficient, and comes generously equipped.

You have the option of a 1.2-litre petrol engine with 89bhp or a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder with 109bhp, with or without hybrid assistance. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is suitable for city driving and can be paired with the Allgrip four-wheel drive system, while the mild-hybrid version offers decent fuel economy for longer journeys.

Inside, there’s lots of headroom for all passengers and decent legroom for rear occupants. Plus, the interior layout is intuitive, and you’ll find it easy to use the controls.

Final Words

There you have it! If you choose the very best used automatic cars, they will serve you well in the long run while also being gentle on your budget.

Before diving into the used car market, it’s important to set a budget and consider ongoing expenses like tax and repairs. Conduct a history check to ensure the car is free from any financial issues or previous damage. By the way, this advice is relevant for a vehicle with a manual gearbox or an automatic version.

Once everything checks out, Carplus will step in to assist you in securing financing. Drive confidently!