News

Best automatic cars for less than £20,000

These models are all proof that you don't need a big budget to get a fantastic car with an automatic gearbox
Best automatic cars for less than £20,000

Automatic gearboxes used to be rare outside of big saloons and 4x4s. And when they were fitted to more affordable models, they inevitably forced you to put up with sluggish performance and poor fuel economy.

advertisment

Fortunately, there are now a host of smooth and efficient cars with automatic gearboxes that you can buy new for less than £20,000. Here we count down the top 10.

The best automatic cars for less than £20,000

10. Hyundai i10 1.2 Premium SE Auto

List price: £13,760

Best automatic cars for less than £20,000

It might be smaller than many of the other cars on this list, the but the i10 is a perfect companion if you'll mainly be driving around town. After all, we named it as our favourite city car at the most recent What Car? Awards. The 1.2-litre engine we recommend is peppy, and Premium SE specification gets you a touchscreen infotainment system and 15in alloy wheels.

Read the full Hyundai i10 review

Find a great deal on a Hyundai i10


9. Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI S DSG

List price: £18,870

Best automatic cars for less than £20,000

The Yeti might be getting on a bit, but it also remains a very practical choice. Our favourite version is the turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol because it offers all the performance you need and is impressively frugal. In addition, the Yeti has a smart interior and is enjoyable to drive. Its replacement, the Skoda Karoq, is due to go on sale later this year, so now is the time to find a generous discount.

advertisment

Read the full Skoda Yeti review

Find a great deal on a Skoda Yeti


8. Suzuki Vitara 1.6 SZ-T auto

List price: £18,350

Best automatic cars for less than £20,000

Compact on the outside but spacious inside, the Vitara represents the best of what a budget SUV should offer. It comes with lots of standard equipment and is surprisingly composed in bends for such a tall car. However, while it's good in auto form, it's worth noting that the Vitara is even better as a manual, because this improves performance and efficiency.

Read the full Suzuki Vitara review

Find a great deal on a Suzuki Vitara

Next >

News and advice

Feature

New Kia Stonic vs Seat Arona

Best of

Best-selling cars 2026: EV sales reach new heights in June

News

New Bentley Torcal: name confirmed for brand's first all-electric car

Feature

Most reliable Mercedes models - and the unreliable ones to avoid

Feature

Best medium vans 2026 – tried and tested

Best of

Best used car deals of the week