In many cases, the automatic gearbox option for a car range is actually more responsive and, importantly, more efficient than its manual counterpart.

This can mean lower fuel consumption and cleaner exhaust emissions. Some of the latest have nine or even 10 speeds and will always choose the right gear at the right time. This means that no matter what road conditions you encounter, the engine will always be turning at the most efficient speed.

Vauxhall Astra Hatchback

The latest Vauxhall Astra has a wide range of engines – no fewer than five petrol and four types of diesel, in fact – a large proportion of which can be enjoyed with an automatic gearbox. The car is practical, comfortable and spacious, with lots of standard equipment (especially if you go for a higher-end model).

Your automatic Astra can be both frugal and fast; the 134bhp 1.6-litre CDTi diesel automatic returns around 64mpg on average with a 0-62mph time of just over nine seconds, while the 148bhp, 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine do the same sprint in just over eight seconds, with claimed average economy of around 51mpg.

The Astra runs its VW rival very close as a great all-round family car that’s good to drive, easy to live with and cheap to run.

Volkswagen Polo hatchback

Of all the wide variety of super mini-size car choices out there, the Volkswagen Polo is unquestionably the plushest and well-appointed. In a small car with a distinct luxury feel, the DSG gearbox feels right at home here, providing smooth, easy progress.

Choosing it makes sound financial sense, too; when teamed with the 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine in the Blue GT, it increases fuel economy to 60.1mpg and reduces emissions as well. Yet, remarkably, it still allows nippy 7.8-second 0-62mph performance.

Its sheer efficiency, together with the big-car-feel that the Polo exudes means we see no real advantage of choosing a manual gearbox when the DSG is so good.

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MINI 5-door hatchback

The MINI 5-door is – as its name suggests – a MINI hatchback with five doors. It offers the extra practicality of easy access to the rear bench but retains the three-door model’s appealing retro styling and scope for personalization 1.2 and 1.5-litre petrol engines are available, with power outputs ranging from 100bhp in the entry-level 1 to 189bhp in the Cooper S, with the 136bhp Cooper in the middle, while diesel (One D or Cooper D) comes with 94 or 114bhp.

All can be had with an automatic gearbox, which doesn’t detract from the car’s inherently sporty nature the MINI 5-door is great fun on a twisty road no matter which gearbox is fitted. In fact, if you’re willing to put up with a harsh ride, it’s one of the best-handling cars in the class.

Renault ZOE hatchback

The Renault ZOE is an all-electric supermini and as such doesn’t have a conventional gearbox – but it drives more or less like any other automatic car, so we’ve granted it a place on this list.

With pleasant styling, relatively low pricing and a claimed real-world range of up to 186 miles (in the Z.E. 40 version), the ZOE is a great choice for those making their first step into the world of electric cars. Renault reckons the ZOE costs just 2p a mile to run, with a full charge costing about £3 – figures that are rather hard to match with conventionally powered small cars.

The car is reasonably well equipped and has enough space for four people, while thanks to the clever design and packaging of batteries, the boot is 38 litres bigger than in the similarly sized Renault Clio’s.

0 version), the ZOE is a great choice for those making their first step into the world of electric cars. Renault reckons the ZOE costs just 2p a mile to run, with a full charge costing about £3 – figures that are rather hard to match with conventionally powered small cars.

Mazda2 hatchback

Good-looking and keenly priced, the Mazda2 is a highlight of the current supermini crop. Its range of efficient engines and sharp handling make it one of the better cars to drive in its class, too, and there’s not much of a loss in either department if you go for the automatic gearbox in conjunction with the 89bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine – 0-62mph takes 12 seconds and average economy sits at around 59mpg, versus 9.4 seconds and 63mpg in the equivalent to a manual car.

The Mazda2 is a joy to drive, with responsive steering and great body control, but without any significant sacrifices to comfort. The car’s interior is a real highlight, with a classy design and high-quality materials used throughout; there’s even space for five people to get comfortable at a push. Automatic or otherwise, the Mazda2 is a great supermini that makes a fine alternative to the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo.

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