Top 10 | Best Small Automatic Cars for 2025
19th Feb 2025
The evolution of the electric car has certainly enhanced the appeal of small automatic cars, making them that little more desirable, thanks to the transmissions used in electric cars, which are seamless, smooth and slick due to their single-speed nature.
Of course, there are still some great internal combustion small automatic cars too, but now the choice has become far more attractive.
To prove this, we have put together a list of our top 10 best used small automatic cars, which you can buy new and used in 2025.
- Renault 5
- Hyundai i20
- MG 4
- BYD Dolphin
- MINI Cooper
- Renault Clio
- Jeep Avenger
- Ford Fiesta
- Volkswagen Polo
- Peugeot 208
Renault 5
Originally launched in 1972, and enjoying two succesful generations running until 1996, the iconic Renault 5 returns for 2025 with similar attributes that saw it rise to popularity originally. Small, chic, stylish and cool.
Only now, it's fully-electric, too, with up to 248 miles of range. The all-new Renault 5 features epic retro style perfectly encapsulating the instantly recognisable silhouette of the original.
Using a clever single speed fully automated transmission, the little Renault 5 can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 7.9 seconds, when choosing the 152bhp version, whilst the 122bhp feels nippy enough, especially in tight cities.
As small automatic cars go, the Renault 5 will bring a smile to any face with ease. And with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto coming as standard on all Reno 5 models, along with a slick digital interior, this is certainly one of the most exciting and cool small automatic cars on sale in 2025.
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If you're after a more familiar internal combustion-engined small automatic car, then the Hyundai i20 is a textobook choice, and comes with a slick 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission) gearbox, for consistently flawless shifts.
There's an air of sophistication about the i20, too, especially in Premium and Ultimate specifications, which ensure the little Hyundai can outshine more premium manufacturers in terms of style. It's the same story on the inside too, with a sharp-looking digital cabin, not to mention the must-have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality too, meaning staying connected to your favourite people, music and apps isn't a headache.
The i20's compact size means it's fun to drive and easy to manoeuvre, too. So, if you're not wanting an electric car, the i20 is a superb, more conventional alternative.
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MG have impressed in recent times with their new cars, and one of those popular models is the fully-electric MG 4.
It's fun-to-drive, boasts up to 323 miles of range, offers striking looks - in a number of bold colours, and there's a rather rapid Xpower range-topping version available, too. And if you're wondering how range-topping, the 0 to 62mph time of the Xpower MG 4 is a 3.8 seconds, which gives you the ability to embarrass many sports cars, and even give some supercars something to think about.
Interiors are neat and tidy, and new and used prices of the MG 4 are also properly attractive, which has seen MG have success after success in recent times.
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BYD have only been on sale in the UK since 2023, but they have already made quiet the impact with their models. The BYD Dolphin was the first car they offered to the UK, and it's sold well, thanks to its quirky styling, affordability, performance and uniqueness.
There's up to 265 miles of range, as the Dolphin is another electric car, and so the single-speed transmission is nice and easy to use, and complemented by the electric drive, it's a very easy car to drive. Entry-level 'Active' versions are not the fastest, but 'Boost' models upwards offer decent performance, with 0 to 62mph taking 7.5 seconds, which makes them plenty quick enough for modern traffic.
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The MINI Cooper is a textbook exercise is how to produce a retro remake of a classic. And in the latest fourth generation version, all variants come with an automatic transmission, meaning no matter your choice, Cooper C, Cooper S or John Cooper Works, there's a fantastic MINI with an automatic gearbox just for you.
MINI have created the yardstick with the Cooper, as it's enjoyed a perfect evolution of its modern take on the iconic classic, which has not really been matched by another manufacturer. Sure, others have tried, and had relative success, but the MINI Cooper has now been leading the way for 25 years.
Exterior and interior style is spot on, and there are plenty of cool features and a whole host of technology on offer. Our partners Stratstone can help with any new MINI you might have your eye on.
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Renault know a thing or two about making great small cars. We mentioned the iconic Reno 5 earlier in this article, but the Clio is another icon, too, having enjoyed 35 years of success.
There's a six-speed EDC automatic gearbox available with the Clio in internal combustion cars, along with a full hybrid, which also has an automatic.
No matter which version you choose, the chicness of the Clio ensures this is another fantastic little automatic car, full of technology, character and attractive running costs. It's still got that 'Va Va Voom' for sure.
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The popularity of SUVs is easy to see. There's lots to choose from and you need something special to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Step forward, the Jeep Avenger.
It's a small SUV with the classic American Jeep heritage and styling, all put into a compact SUV. It's pretty car-like for a Jeep product, but that's no bad thing for UK roads, and with the automatic gearbox, it's a pretty attractive package for making city driving a doddle.
There's also a fully-electric version, which also uses an automatic transmission, making the Avenger an easy-to-drive and perfect for any city, and also meaning you can find a Jeep Avenger to match your lifestyle.
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For 47 years, the Ford Fiesta was the textbook choice when it came to picking a small hatchback. In 2023, Ford discontinued the iconic Fiesta, but you can still pick up many fantastic used examples, and with an automatic transmission.
The Fiesta is a household name, and its compact, yet practical character was the foundation of its success in its near-50 year history.
Dual-clutch automatic gearboxes are used by many manufactuers, and the one in the Fiesta is another fine choice if you're looking for a decent small car with an automatic gearbox. Despite being discontinued, many used examples come with digital interiors and essentials like smartphone connectivity, enhanced safety features and even B&0 audio.
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The VW Polo is a superb small car. It's essentially just a smaller Volkswagen Golf - the Polo's legendary sibling that pretty much set the standard for those wanting a refined hatchback.
It's a DSG which is the automatic transmission chosen for the Polo, which is a dual-clutch system, and allows for seamless, ultra-fast shifts, which you can get the car to do automatically, or pull the paddles yourself, which are situated behind the steering wheel.
What's more, it's properly refined and feels very premium when compared with other small cars. If you can up the budget, it's worth seeking out the legendary GTI, for a properly sophisticated small automatic car, that offers enhanced performance, refinement and class, and doesn't look out of place in too many places.
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Peugeot have a history of making excellent small cars. Take the 205 and more modern 206 for example, then of course you have the charming little 106, too. The Peugeot 208 joins the legacy in being Peugeot's latest model to extend where the 205, 206 and 207 left off.
It's small, good-looking, full of the right tech, and offers an automatic transmission, both in the conventional petrol version, and in the zero-emission, all-electric e-208.
No matter your choice, the 208 is a fine evolution of the models that have gone before it, hence why it has made our list with ease.
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Find your perfect car with Evans Halshaw
Whether you are looking for that perfect small automatic car for yourself, or have your heart set on another particular car, here at Evans Halshaw we have a comprehensive selection of new and used cars, for you to browse at your leisure.
And, if you enjoyed this article, and want to read more, check out our dedicated blog section for more.
