Small Autos
Five of the best
Automatic transmission used to be the preserve of small market niches. At one end of the scale were the electric milk floats and so-called 'invalid carriages' with crude forms of automatic power transmission, while at the other were the expensive executive saloons with powerful engines showcasing the latest developments in automatic gearboxes, though still somehow lacking a feeling of being the finished article.
All of that has changed in the last few years. Whereas automatic transmission has ruled in the United States for decades, British buyers remained wedded to their stick shifters until the technology reached a stage where the benfits of an automatic box became indisputable.
Choosing an automatic no longer means making huge sacrifices in performance, fuel economy and driving enjoyment. Indeed, in certain cases, these qualities can actually be enhanced by going automatic. But it does mean no longer having to worry about when and where to change gear. Most systems let you do so if you really want to, but that's a bit like buying a dishwasher and then washing up in the sink.
Here are five of the most intriguing small cars with automatic transmissions currently available in the UK new car market.
If you're thinking of buying a small automatic see our review of the different types of transmission available.
Nissan Micra
Long a byword for reliability and cost-effective motoring, the Micra even offered a well-regarded, if crude, automatic with its previous generation model. Though initially marketed as a young person's car, the Micra is better suited to more mature drivers and has found a substantial following among people of retirement age and couples looking to downsize from a family vehicle.
Nissan's advanced, electronically controlled four-speed RE4F03B automatic has extended slip lock-up control and offers smoothness and economy with reasonable response times. It's available on the 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol models, or as an option on 1.6 litre Micra C+C models. Unfortunately it is not available linked to the likeable 1.5 dCi diesel.
Choice
1.2 16v Spirita 5dr
(RRP £10,645 on the road, plus £900 automatic option)
Combined mpg: 42.8
CO2 : 161 g/km
0-62mph: 17.9 secs.
Specifications and prices in our Car Buyer's Guide
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Ford Fiesta Durashift EST
The Fiesta continues to sell in large numbers thanks to a loyal following developed over 20 years. In its current form it is a little bland, but continues to fulfil the duties of a small hatchback in an unfussy, efficient manner.
The Durashift EST gearbox has the benefit of allowing the driver to feel in control even when in automatic mode. That's because it is a clutchless manual system that retains most of the control and dependability of a manual gearbox. Earlier models such as the Vauxhall Corsa Easytronic were similar, but the Durashift is smoother and less prone to unfortunate changes while cornering, thanks to some clever programming. It requires nothing but a light push or pull on the selector to change up or down. Three small electric motors replace the clutch pedal, so there's still a clutch on board – you just don't need to worry about it.
Choice
Zetec 1.4i 16v Durashift EST 5dr
(RRP £11,595 on the road)
Combined mpg: 47.1
CO2 : 142 g/km
0-62mph: 13.7 secs.
Specifications and prices in our Car Buyer's Guide
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Honda Jazz
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is theoretically the most perfect of all automatic systems, dispensing with traditional gearing altogether. However, it has traditionally had some problems when connected to small engines.
The best of the current small CVTs can be found in Honda's excellent Jazz. Wedded to an extremely compact 1.4-litre unit, it can sometimes produce unexpected engine notes, but also imparts a good deal of fun to the driving experience. The steering wheel features rocker switches on each horizontal spoke, to allow instant upward and downward shifts at the driver's command like in a Formula 1 car. The fuel deficit is just 2 percent compared with the manual model. The extra £1,000 cost of the CVT is considerable, however.
Choice
Honda Jazz 1.4i SE
(RRP £10,750 on the road plus £1,000 automatic option)
Combined mpg: 48.7
CO2 : 139 g/km
0-62mph: 14.5 secs.
Specifications and prices in our Car Buyer's Guide
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Citroen C2 Sensodrive
Citroen's Sensodrive gearbox met with some criticism when it first appeared in the C2, but this came mainly from road testers trying to drive this sensible, well-thought-out vehicle like the Saxo VTR that they were still lamenting.
Perhaps they were confused by the numerous ways the driver can shift gears using Sensodrive. Paddles behind the wheel can be utilised, there's also a conventional stick shift that can be pressed forward and back, or of course the skilful driver can use throttle pressure and anticipation to make the system choose the gear he or she wants. But all of that rather defeats the object, which is to stick it in auto and forget about it.
The car has the ability to 'learn' the driver's style, so progress becomes smoother over time, and Citroen's innovative Stop & Start system can also be incorporated to save fuel and emissions when other cars are wasting them at idle.
Choice
Citroen C2 1.4i 16v Stop & Start SensoDrive 3-door
(RRP £10,740 on the road)
Combined mpg: 50.4
CO2 : 133 g/km
0-62mph: 13.0 secs.
Specifications and prices in our Car Buyer's Guide
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Toyota Yaris
The Yaris's MultiMode gearbox is an electrically-operated manual transmission that uses two electric motors and an electronically-operated clutch to provide either automatic or sequential gear changes. It is available as an option on the 1.3-litre VVT-i and 1.4-litre D-4D 90 engines, the latter being the clear choice for motorists looking to economise, thanks to excellent fuel consumption figures.
Toyota claims the system has been tuned for sportier, quicker gear shifts than it was in the previous-generation Yaris. Certainly clutch activation time has been reduced, which also cuts the level of shift-shock, but it remains rather crude-feeling when compared to some rivals.
On the other hand, cars fitted with MultiMode actually record better fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions levels than their manual equivalents, a hugely significant fact that raises the question of whether automatic gearboxes are now 'greener' than manuals.
Choice
Toyota Yaris T3 1.4 D-4D 5dr
(RRP £11,780 on the road, plus £500 automatic option)
Combined mpg: 50.4
CO2: 119 g/km
0-62mph: 11.8 secs.
Specifications and prices in our Car Buyer's Guide
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Read our review of the different types of automatic transmission available.