Which small automatic car should we buy?

We have a nine-year-old Corolla manual car at present, which has been wonderful. Owing to age and some infirmity we need to change to an automatic car. We also need a four (or five) door car now. I believe you recently recommended either an Auris or a Micra for someone in a similar position to us. Could you recommend a couple of models I should look at. I would hope not to spend more than £14,000.

Asked on 2 April 2012 by JH, London NW11

Answered by Honest John

Auris MMT automatics are not very good, but the Auris HST hybrid has an excellent CVT automatic. My father has one. It is, however, quite an expensive car. The latest Micra is CVT but needs to be the DiG-S to have any power. I'd go for a Honda Jazz 1.4 CVT-7.

Tags: automatics ease of access

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Related models

Honda Jazz (2008 - 2015)

Neatly styled. Increased room and better performance than original Jazz. better to drive. Very versatile. CVT-7 returned in February 2011 replacing i-SHIFT. More reliable than first generation Jazz.

Nissan Micra (2010 - 2016)

Low emissions and fuel consumption from 1.2-litre engine. Roomy and seats five. Decent value for money. Bluetooth as standard.

Toyota Auris (2007 - 2013)

Decent combination of ride and handling that might suit some people better than a harder sprung Golf or a Civic. A few inches taller than a Golf of Focus so easier to get in and out.