Lots of new drivers choose to pass their test with an automatic car.
Yes, it's a bit more restrictive than a manual licence, but automatic cars are far more common than they were a few years ago. So, if you're a new driver looking for an automatic car, what should you pick?
We've brought together 10 reliable, affordable cars with automatic gearboxes and low insurance groups. Most of these models are available as nearly new or used cars for sale at Motorpoint.
- Kia Picanto
- Volkswagen Polo
- Toyota Aygo X
- SEAT Arona
- Hyundai i10
- Volkswagen T-Cross
- Nissan Micra (2017-2023)
- Kia Stonic
- Dacia Sandero Stepway
- Hyundai Kona (2017-2023)
Kia Picanto
The Kia Picanto tops this list as it's arguably the obvious answer to the question. It's small, efficient and affordable – exactly what you need as a new driver. Performance is sluggish by most standards, but it'll happily hold a cruise on the motorway. Crucially, those sedate characteristics help the Picanto score low on the insurance group table, which keeps those painful insurance costs down for your first few years on the road. On top of all that, the Picanto is a very likeable little car with decent standard equipment and light-footed handling.
Shop used Kia Picanto cars or read our Kia Picanto review
Volkswagen Polo
Compared to some small hatches in the VW Group lineup, the Volkswagen Polo is considered to be a more sensible option by British insurers. As a result, the car attracts very reasonable insurance rates, even on versions with the desirable DSG automatic gearbox. The Polo has many virtues, including being one of the more practical options on this list, which makes it more useful if it's working double-duty as both a first car and a shared family car. It's also easy to drive and use – just what you need when you're first starting on the roads.
Browse used Volkswagen Polo cars or read our Volkswagen Polo review
Toyota Aygo X
The Toyota Aygo X is a ground-up redesign of the brand's smallest car – though the old Toyota Aygo is still available on the used market as an affordable alternative. Nevertheless, the newer car is a substantial improvement on the formula, with better materials, improved build quality, and a more grown-up feel on the road. The 1.0-litre engine and CVT automatic gearbox are easy to use and return strong efficiency. You also get the reassurance of Toyota's 10-year service-activated warranty.
Search used Toyota Aygo X cars or read our Toyota Aygo X review
SEAT Arona
A phenomenon you might spot when shopping cars with low insurance groups, is that small SUVs sometimes end up cheaper to cover than equivalent small hatches. That's despite usually costing a bit more to buy. This could be because these family-friendly SUVs are statistically more likely to be owned by older, more experienced drivers. Whatever the cause, the SEAT Arona is an excellent all-round choice for a new driver. The body is compact and easy to park, the controls are intuitive, and it's just large enough to use as a family car.
Check out used SEAT Arona cars or read our SEAT Arona review
Hyundai i10
The Hyundai i10 is the sister car to the Kia Picanto above and, as a result, has most of the same benefits. That means you get a surprisingly spacious interior despite its tiny dimensions, and a fun, well-judged driving experience. Like the Kia, the Hyundai's engine setup is focused on efficiency and affordability, so expect to lean hard on the accelerator when joining a slip road. The i10's five-year Hyundai warranty is two shorter than the Picanto's, but it strikes back with slightly softer suspension, making it a little better at long drives.
View used Hyundai i10 cars or read our Hyundai i10 review
Volkswagen T-Cross
Another small SUV that benefits from the sensible gene is the Volkswagen T-Cross. This is a charming little car based on the Polo, but with cutesy mini-off-roader looks from its bluff front and tall proportions. As an added bonus, the T-Cross's slightly larger body makes it one of the more practical cars here, and just spacious enough to be a small family wagon. Smooth TSI turbo petrol engines and VW's excellent DSG automatic make the T-Cross a very easy car to get about in.
Shop used Volkswagen T-Cross cars or read our Volkswagen T-Cross review
Nissan Micra (2017-2023)
The Nissan Micra is another nameplate with decades of history as a first car. Others might be more practical, more exciting or more sporty, but the Micra is an easygoing all-rounder that's fuss-free to drive. Material quality on these 2017-2023 models also took a bit of a jump over previous Micras, with more textile surfacing and fewer hard, scratchy plastics. The engine and auto gearbox are, unsurprisingly, set up for low running costs above all else, but the Micra's composed handling means it'll rarely get on your nerves on the road.
Browse used Nissan Micra cars or read our Nissan Micra review
Kia Stonic
Another small SUV to slip onto this list is the Kia Stonic. Its steadfast commitment to being smart and sensible once again helping keeping its insurance groups nice and low. Despite the somewhat pumped-up styling, the Stonic feels just like a regular hatchback on the road, with composed handling, intuitive controls and good visibility. Tight exterior dimensions also make it easy to slide into tight parking spaces. Like its Kia stablemates, the Stonic has a long standard equipment list and the reassurance of a seven-year transferrable warranty.
Search used Kia Stonic cars or read our Kia Stonic review
Dacia Sandero Stepway
Finding a Dacia Sandero on this list might not be a surprise. This is a famous budget-friendly option so, naturally, it's a good choice as a first car. However, thanks to Dacia's keen pricing and sensible image, the more desirable Sandero Stepway also has affordable insurance rates. Over the regular Sandero, you get a tougher look with useful roof rails and an increased ride height – handy if you ever need to tackle a muddy field. Plus, with a little more suspension travel, the ride is a fraction softer over rutted UK roads.
Check out used Dacia Sandero Stepway cars or read our Dacia Sandero Stepway review
Hyundai Kona (2017-2023)
Hyundai has now launched a new Kona with some noteworthy improvements over the outgoing car. That said, the old Kona had impressively low insurance groups that the new version currently can't compete with. This is especially relevant to the self-charging-hybrid Kona models, which all come with a standard automatic gearbox and respectable fuel economy. While it's relatively compact by SUV standards, it's among the largest cars on this list so another great choice if you need your first car to also handle some family car duties.
View used Hyundai Kona cars or read our Hyundai reviews
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