The age of the manual gearbox may well be over. Cars with two pedals are taking an ever-larger share of sales in the UK, so when looking for the best leasing deals it’s not surprising that plenty of people tick the box marked ‘automatic’.
Automatics – or at least cars that act like them – are becoming more popular especially with the greater prevalence of hybrid cars and electric vehicles. The benefits are easy to see. A two-pedal car takes a variable out of the equation, often making for a more relaxing drive, especially in heavy traffic. Gone are the days when automatics were thirsty and slow – modern autos often have better performance and fuel economy than their manual counterparts.
Of course, many keen drivers will prefer the greater feeling of control that a manual gives, and having to replace a clutch every now and then is less hassle than worrying about what happens when a complex, dual-clutch automatic gearbox finally gives way out of warranty. There’s no right answer here, but manuals are destined to become a niche choice as electric vehicles – which don’t have a gearbox at all – begin to take over our roads. We’ve got a separate list of some of the best electric cars to lease.
Not all automatic cars are created equal, however, and a bad one can be thirsty, inefficient, jerky, and altogether inferior to a manual car. We’ve rounded up some of the best here.
The best automatic cars to lease 2023
Hybrid power for the masses
We’d opt for the recently updated 1.8-litre powertrain, which gives plenty of performance for most as well as the prospect of 60+mpg. Those who regularly travel with rear passengers should opt for the slightly roomier Touring Sports estate model.
Read our Toyota Corolla review
Pros
- Very efficient
- Unbelievably reliable
- Smooth and comfortable to drive
Cons
- Not exactly thrilling
- Poor rear passenger space
Sensible family transport at a competitive price
The 1.5-litre petrol is the best all-rounder, but don’t be discouraged by diesel if you do a lot of long journeys and want the very best possible fuel economy. And long journeys are a pleasure in the Karoq – even with kids – because its clever interior is packed with little touches that make family life more accessible.
Read our full Skoda Karoq review
Pros
- Space-efficient
- Clever touches inside
- Comfortable ride
Cons
- No hybrid engine options
- Dull to drive
Seriously spacious hybrid hatch
The Honda uses electric motors to drive it at low speeds, while the engine operates as a generator – then, on the motorway, the electric motors give way so the engine can drive the wheels directly. It’s a very good system, also used in the firm’s larger cars, and provides close to 60mpg with good performance.
Read our full Honda Jazz review
Pros
- Masses of room inside
- Clever seats
- Efficient hybrid powertrain
Cons
- Expensive for a supermini
- Boot a little small
Looks like a van, drives like a car
Regardless of engine your passengers will enjoy considerable luxury in big, multi-adjustable seats all round. Those in the rear enjoy a sliding table with storage and plenty of USB chargers – though we’d recommend opting for the long-wheelbase model if you regularly want to take lots of luggage.
Read our full Volkswagen Multivan review
Pros
- Plug-in hybrid available
- Flexible interior
- Space for up to seven
Cons
- Small boot with passengers in place
- Seats are heavy to lift
A great-driving estate option
You get a posh cockpit packed with the latest tech and a range of excellent petrol and diesel engines. Whichever you choose you get a car that corners and handles like a true sports saloon, but remains comfortable enough to ply the motorways with ease. All variants share the same smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox, too.
Read our full BMW 3 Series Touring review
Pros
- Spacious and practical boot
- Great engines, including PHEV option
- Fantastic to drive
Cons
- Not that roomy for passengers
- Screen-heavy interior
A small automatic worth recommending
An automatic gearbox is an option on mid-spec engines and standard on the more powerful units, and it’s a cracker – a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic with such a long top gear that this is a really relaxed motorway car. Add in those supermodel looks and this is a real supermini winner.
Read our full Peugeot 208 review
Pros
- High-quality cabin
- Great eight-speed automatic
- Efficient engines
Cons
- Cramped rear seats
- Pricey compared with rivals
Our reigning Car of the Year 2023
Its hybrid powertrain is similar to that in the Jazz above, but more powerful yet somehow even more fuel-efficient. It’s the interior we’re most impressed by, though, as it’s not just good-looking and well-built but still utilises a lot of physical switchgear – hallelujah!
Read our full Honda Civic review
Pros
- Powerful and efficient
- Brilliant interior
- The best hatchback in its class
Cons
- Not that efficient on the motorway
- Small fuel tank
Great-driving small SUV with hidden practicality
While our favourite Pumas are equipped with manual gearboxes the dual-clutch automatic is a good compromise if you want or need two pedals – it’s quick-shifting and responsive.
Read our full Ford Puma review
Pros
- Huge boot with clever ‘megabox’
- Efficient mild-hybrid engines
- Fantastic handling
Cons
- Slightly low-rent interior
- No true hybrid or EV model
BMW X5
Luxury SUVs don’t come much better than this
Even the petrol is remarkably efficient, while the plug-in hybrid offers around 50 miles of pure electric range making it very usable everyday. All get BMW’s excellent eight-speed automatic for smooth shifting.
Read our full BMW X5 review
Pros
- Great to drive
- Fantastic, luxurious interior
- Surprisingly efficient
Cons
- Massive to manoeuvre
- Third row of seats not that useful
Mid-engined fun from the makers of the 911
The well-built interior benefits from several well-chosen options, and those who are looking for a proper sports car should probably go for the Cayman S with its extra power – it really makes the most of the car’s fantastic chassis.
Read our full Porsche 718 Cayman review
Pros
- Fantastic to drive
- Surprisingly roomy
- Brilliant build quality
Cons
- The best features are optional
- Lower models lack pace
Tom Wiltshire is a Senior Staff Writer working for the Bauer Digital Automotive Hub. He’s written for numerous outlets, including Auto Express, evo and the Press Association, and now divides his time between Parkers and CAR. Tom’s a committed Peugeotist but buzzes off almost any car that’s tiny and silly.
These deals are indicative examples of some packages available as of July 2023, but are subject to change without prior notice. Everyone’s financial circumstances are different and the availability of credit is subject to status. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Parkers cannot recommend a deal for you specifically.
Bauer Consumer Media Limited is an appointed representative of ZenAuto Limited for the broking of regulated consumer hire agreements. ZenAuto Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. ZenAuto Limited’s registered office is Number One, Great Exhibition Way, Kirkstall Forge, Leeds LS5 3BF. ZenAuto Limited’s company registration number is 10967345. ZenAuto is the trading name of ZenAuto Limited.
Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.
