Best automatic cars

What is an automatic car? 

If you’ve ever wondered why there is such a debate between drivers when it comes to manual vs automatic cars, then you’re not alone. Automatics may have been viewed with disdain a few years ago but improvements in technology and the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles are quickly making the switch from manual to automatic much more appealing.  

An automatic car is different to a manual because it changes gear automatically. That means there’s no need for a clutch and the car will adjust its own gears depending on the speed you’re travelling and the road conditions. Instead of having six or seven gears to navigate, an automatic’s gear stick will only shift between four modes: Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive.  

In the UK, manual cars – with a clutch and gear stick that you operate yourself – are much more common than automatic vehicles. The reverse is true in the US and buying habits here are starting to shift; we could start seeing more automatic cars on UK roads very soon.  

Should I drive an automatic car?  

When buying a car, it’s important that you choose the model that’s most suited to you and your circumstances. This applies to the body type, manufacturer, engine, and, of course, the gearbox.  

There are pros and cons to both options depending on the type of driver you are. If you love driving and come alive behind the wheel or you’re someone who travels a lot of long distances, you might find that you have more fun in a manual car.  

However, automatic cars can suit drivers that spend more time than they’d like in stop/start city traffic as well as drivers with a disability or limited mobility.  

If you’re still learning to drive, keep in mind that you can’t drive a manual car if you only have an automatic licence.  

Pros and cons of automatic cars  

Struggling to choose between an automatic car or a manual? Check out our list of pros and cons:  

Pros of automatic cars 

• Automatic cars can be easier to drive. There’s no clutch to worry about; simply shift into D for drive and you can forget about the gears until you need to park up or reverse.  
• Your car will do all the hard work for you and transition seamlessly between gears ensuring a smoother ride with no awkward stuttering or jolts.  
• If you regularly drive in rush-hour traffic, then an automatic car can cope with stop/start traffic well and leave you free to concentrate on road safety and tricky junctions.  
• It’s impossible to stall when driving an automatic.  

Cons of automatic cars  

• As automatic cars are still in the minority on UK roads, they are typically more expensive to buy both new and second-hand.  
• If something does go wrong with an automatic, they can be more complicated and costly to repair.  
• Some people who love the driving experience may feel that automatics are dull to drive and that they miss out on that physical connection with the car.   
• Depending on the age of your car, you might find that an automatic gets less miles to the gallon than a manual.  

Automatic vs. Manual gearbox  

There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of transmission even though, in theory, they work the same way: when you increase speed, you need to transition into a higher gear.  

Manual cars are more popular in the UK and so can be cheaper to buy than an automatic, especially on the used car market. They are also the type of car that most drivers are familiar with. Shifting gears can become a habit and feel surprisingly satisfying. Manual drivers can also have more control over their speed and might find that their car is cheaper to maintain and repair.  

Even so, manuals can be more dangerous than automatics as they require the driver to take one hand off the wheel to change gear. You could also end up with leg ache or cramp from constantly working the clutch in congested traffic or on a long journey.  

Are automatic cars expensive to run?  

It used to be widely believed that automatic cars use more petrol than their manual counterparts. While this might be true of older models, recent technological improvements mean that you can now get many more miles to the gallon in an average automatic. You could even find that they’re more economical to run than a traditional manual.  

Porsche 911  

One of the world’s most recognisable sports cars, the Porsche 911 was designed with drivers in mind. Its automatic model has been carefully engineered to retain the excitement and drive feel that you’d expect from a high-performance vehicle, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out by swapping from a manual. The 911 can reach impressive speeds on the straight and handle corners with ease, while its powerful brakes provide peace of mind. Equipped with a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox, it doesn’t burn through fuel too quickly and it’s pleasingly quiet on the motorway.  

Ford Fiesta 

If you are still an automatic sceptic, the Ford Fiesta could well convert you. Only available with the Ecoboost Hybrid 125 engine, the Fiesta’s Powershift seven-speed gearbox has won a lot of fans. The car offers everything you’d want from an all-rounder; it offers sharp handling, precise steering, a quiet engine, and a design with a timeless sensibility. Expect a comfortable ride thanks to the driving seat, which holds you securely in place even when navigating potholes and uneven surfaces.  

Skoda Octavia  

The Skoda Octavia has become one of the most popular hatchbacks among families. It feels like it’s built to last, runs efficiently, and offers plenty of space in the cabin and in the boot. As well as an eco-friendly hybrid model, the Octavia is available with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox for higher capacity engines or a seven-speed dual-clutch for smaller models. No matter which version you choose, you’ll enjoy a comfortable drive that feels secure when handling corners and controls set in a 10-inch media system.  

Tesla Model 3 

Tesla set the standard when it comes to electric vehicles – and all electric cars are also automatic cars. The Tesla Model 3 is its most family-oriented model with five seats and a reassuringly strong aluminium and steel frame. Even so, it can still achieve 0-60mph in just 3.1 seconds and has a range of up to 374 miles on a full charge. You can charge the car at home overnight or using a Tesla network charger while on the go. When it comes to style, the Model 3 stands out from the crowd; outside an all-glass roof extends the full length of the car while inside, the unique interior includes a central 15-inch touchscreen, which contains all driver controls.  

Volkswagen Golf  

The Volkswagen Golf is one of the most popular cars in the UK, especially for new drivers or those based in cities. It has a solid reputation thanks to its German engineering and its eight-speed automatic gearbox is durable and reliable. It’s economical when it comes to fuel and features a host of safety features including curtain airbags, driver fatigue alerts, and smart lane assist technology that can help you navigate road edges and signs. The boot is generous too, with more than enough space for a couple of suitcases, a folded buggy, or your weekly shopping bags.  

Range Rover Sport 

The Range Rover Sport is a refined off-road vehicle that pairs its solid frame with an athletic sense of style. With an eight-speed automatic gearbox, it can reach 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds and has an impressive top speed of 137mph. The interior is luxurious and comes equipped with a range of tech features including a 10-inch dual touchscreen control centre, entertainment systems in the rear seats, voice recognition, and a fantastic sound system.  

BMW 3 Series  

The BMW 3 Series eight-speed automatic offers all the quality you’d expect from the prestige German manufacturer. It’s a practical family car that’s been built to last and offers a smooth, enjoyable drive for all passengers. Drivers will enjoy the responsive handling and secure brakes that provide additional reassurance when on the motorway as well as it’s sleek, long lines and spacious cabin.  

Honda Jazz 

Sitting somewhere between a small city car and a mini MPV, the Honda Jazz has become more popular with families in recent years thanks to its reputation for reliability and economic running costs. The five-seater hatchback is available with a seven-speed automatic transmission, which complements its refined exterior design and spacious interior (with very generous boot).  

Volvo XC40 

The Volvo XC40 is a classically Scandinavian car: it’s smart, comfortable, safe, and stylish. A comfortable small SUV, the automatic Volvo offers an eight-speed transmission and front-wheel drive, meaning it can smoothly take on rough road surfaces and power down the motorway with ease. The interior storage is especially practical; look out for the removable armrest, built-in waste bin, and pop-up divider designed to keep loose items in place.  

Automatic electric cars 

One of the biggest reasons why automatic cars are becoming more common in the UK is due to the growth of electric and hybrid vehicles. These cars don’t have a gearbox and so are always automatics. And with the ban on new petrol and diesel cars still set to come into force in 2030, it’s fair to assume that automatics will come to dominate the market in the future.  

Automatic sports cars  

The shift to automatic is nothing new; premium manufacturers like Ferrari, Jaguar, and Porsche have been slowly phasing out manual transmissions for years. Typically, manual transmissions can’t keep up with the power that supercars can produce. High-performance vehicles can have nine to 12 gears and automatic gearboxes are more efficient at shifting through these gears at speed. That way, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the unique experience of driving a sports car rather than worrying about changing gear.  

Automatic car finance  

If you’re ready to buy an automatic car, we’re here to help! At CarFinance 247, we work with a panel of lenders, which means we can find loans for people with a wide variety of circumstances, including those looking to finance an automatic car. You can get a no obligation quote and you’ll receive a decision in minutes. We’ll always look to find you the best deal from our lending panel and your dedicated account manager will be on hand to guide you through the process, answer any questions, and help you find a car. With over 100,000 used cars – including automatics – available on our car search, you’ll be spoilt for choice!