Best used small cars with automatic transmission

The automatic transmission provides a smooth ride and can make driving easier and less tiring, especially on busy streets. So if you're looking for a small car to get around town, an automatic might be your best bet.

There are many small automatic cars to choose from. Some are very stylish, some are very practical. Some of them produce zero emissions and some are very economical to operate. Here is our top 10 used small cars with automatic transmission.

1. Kia Pikanto

Kia's smallest car may be tiny on the outside, but it's surprisingly roomy on the inside. This is a five-door hatchback with enough interior space for four adults to sit comfortably. There's plenty of room in the trunk for a week's store or weekend luggage.

The Picanto feels light and nimble to drive, and parking is a breeze. There are petrol engines of 1.0 and 1.25 liters with an automatic transmission. They give good acceleration in the city, although the more powerful 1.25 is more suitable if you do a lot of motorway driving. The Kias has a good reputation for reliability and comes with a seven-year new car warranty that is transferable to any future owner.

Read our review of the Kia Picanto

2. Smart ForTwo

The Smart ForTwo is the smallest new car available in the UK - indeed, it makes other cars here look huge. This means it's ideal for driving in congested cities, for driving through narrow streets and for parking in the smallest parking spaces. As the name of ForTwo suggests, there are only two seats in Smart. But it's surprisingly practical, with plenty of passenger space and a usefully large trunk. If you need more space, check out the longer (but still tiny) Smart ForFour. 

Since early 2020, all Smarts have been all-electric EQ models with automatic transmissions as standard. Until 2020, the ForTwo was available with a 1.0-liter or larger 0.9-liter turbocharged petrol engine, both of which had an automatic transmission option.

3. Honda Jazz

The Honda Jazz is a compact hatchback about the size of a Ford Fiesta, but just as practical as many larger cars. There's plenty of head and leg room in the rear seats, and the boot is almost as big as a Ford Focus. And with the rear seats folded down, the Jazz gives you flat, van-like cargo space. Plus, you can fold down the rear seat bases like a movie theater seat to create a tall space behind the front seats, perfect for carrying bulky items or a dog. 

The Jazz is easy to drive and its high seating position makes it easy to get on and off. The latest Jazz (pictured), released in 2020, is only available with a petrol-electric hybrid engine and automatic transmission. On older models, you have the choice of a hybrid/automatic combination or a 1.3-liter petrol engine with an automatic transmission.

Read our review of the Honda Jazz.

4. Suzuki Ignis

The quirky Suzuki Ignis really stands out from the crowd. It's tiny but sturdy looking, with chunky styling and an elevated stance that makes it look like a miniature SUV. In addition to giving you a real adventure on every journey, the Ignis also gives you a great view as well as a smooth ride for you and your passengers. 

Its short body has a lot of interior space, it can accommodate four adults and a decent trunk. With an automatic transmission, only one engine is available - a 1.2-liter gasoline, which provides good acceleration in the city. Running costs are low and even the most economical versions are well equipped.

5. Hyundai i10

The Hyundai i10 does the same trick as the Honda Jazz, with just as much interior space as the bigger car. Even if you or your passengers are quite tall, you will all be comfortable on a long journey. The trunk is also large for a city car, it will fit four adult bags for the weekend. The interior feels more upmarket than you might expect and also has a lot of standard equipment.

While it's light and responsive to drive like a city car should be, the i10 is quiet, comfortable and confident on the motorway, so it's also well-suited for long-distance travel. A more powerful 1.2-litre petrol engine is available with an automatic transmission, providing enough acceleration for long trips.   

Read our Hyundai i10 review

6. Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris is one of the most popular small cars with automatic transmissions, at least in part because it's available with a gas-electric hybrid combined with an automatic transmission. This means it can only run on electricity for short distances, so its CO2 emissions are low, and it can save you money on fuel. It is also quiet, comfortable and very easy to operate. The Yaris is spacious and practical enough to be used as a family car as well. 

An all-new version of the Yaris, available only with a hybrid powertrain and automatic transmission, was released in 2020. Older models were also available with petrol engines, while the 1.3-litre model was available with an automatic transmission.

Read our Toyota Yaris review.

7. Fiat 500

The popular Fiat 500 has won legions of fans thanks to its retro styling and exceptional value for money. It's been around for a while but still looks great, both inside and out.

The 1.2-litre and TwinAir petrol engines are available with an automatic transmission that Fiat calls Dualogic. While some small cars are faster and more enjoyable to drive, the 500 has a lot of character and is very comfortable to use, with a simple dashboard and great views that make parking easy. If you want to feel the wind in your hair and the sun in your face, try the open-top version of the 500C, which features a fabric sunroof that flips back and hides behind the rear seats.

Read our Fiat 500 review

8. Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta is the most popular car in the UK and there is something for everyone. It's a fantastic first car, and because it's so quiet and pleasant to drive, it's a great option for those who forego a bigger car. It's just as good on long motorway trips as it is in the city, and the responsive steering makes driving fun. There's a deluxe Vignale model and an "Active" version that has higher suspension and SUV styling details, as well as more economical options. 

The latest version of the Fiesta was released in 2017 with different styling and a more high-tech interior than the outgoing model. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is available in vehicles from both eras, including an automatic transmission known as PowerShift.

Read our Ford Fiesta review

9. BMW i3

All EVs have an automatic transmission and the BMW i3 is one of the best small EVs out there. This is by far the most futuristic car out there, unlike anything else on the road. The interior also produces a real "wow factor" and is made mostly from sustainable materials, further reducing its carbon footprint.

It's also practical. With room for four adults and luggage in the trunk, it's perfect for family trips around the city. Even though it's small, it feels strong and secure, and it's surprisingly fast and quiet compared to most small cars. Running costs are low, as you'd expect from a pure EV, while battery range ranges from 81 miles for early versions to 189 miles for latest models. 

Read our BMW i3 review

10. Kia Stonik

Small SUVs like the Stonic make a lot of sense as city cars. They are taller than conventional cars and have a higher seating position, which provides a higher view and makes it easier to get on and off. They are often more practical than hatchbacks of the same size, but parking is no more difficult.

All of this is true for the Stonic, which is one of the best small SUVs you can buy. It's a stylish, practical family car that's well-equipped, fun to drive, and surprisingly sporty. The T-GDi petrol engine is available with a smooth and responsive automatic transmission.

Read our review of the Kia Stonik

There are many quality used automatic cars to choose from at Cazoo and now you can get a new or used car with Kazu's subscription. Just use the search feature to find what you like and then buy, fund or subscribe to it online. You can order delivery to your door or pick up in the nearest Cazoo Customer Service Center.

We are constantly updating and expanding our range. If you're looking to buy a used car and can't find the right one today, it's easy set up promotional alerts to be the first to know when we have vehicles that suit your needs.