What are the best cheap automatic cars to lease? – Hippo Leasing

Posted by Gareth Woods

Sep 30th, 2022

A frequently asked question we get is: what are the best cheap automatic cars to lease? And it all depends on your personal requirements. Are you a city driver, or do you live in a rural area? Do you have kids and need ISOFIX points, or do you take frequent road trips and need an automatic car with a large boot? Our team is at hand to find the right automatic car to suit your budget and needs.

Over the last decade, cars with automatic transmission have become massively popular in the UK. This rise in demand has resulted in more and more driving schools offering lessons in automatic cars.

Many new drivers are now opting to take their driving tests in automatic vehicles, as these tests are far easier to pass – even on a first attempt – without having to navigate gears.

It is, however, important to note that if you pass your driver’s test with an automatic vehicle, you’ll only be permitted by law, to drive an automatic car.

At Hippo Leasing, we have thousands of automatic car leasing deals available, and our specialised team are dedicated to finding the right automatic car for your lifestyle.

What are some of the benefits of automatic cars?

There are several benefits to choosing a car with an automatic transmission.

For one, it’s far easier to drive an automatic, as you don’t need to think about changing gears.

This also allows drivers to keep both hands on the wheel, to concentrate on the speed of the car, as well as to fully focus on the road ahead. All these factors help to reduce the risk of accidents.

When navigating stop-and-go traffic, and traffic lights, automatic cars also prove to be far simpler, as you merely have to brake or accelerate without contemplating gears. Hill starts are also easier in an automatic.

Improved fuel consumption another perk of opting for a car with an automatic transmission, as no fuel is lost through gear changes, or from being in the ‘wrong’ gear at the ‘wrong’ time.

This also means no embarrassing stalling in traffic as the car does all the work to allow a smooth set off from any stationary position.

6 best cheap automatic cars to lease

In current times there are a huge number of cars on offer that house automatic transmission. But which of these cars are the best option for those with a limited budget?

Hippo Leasing has put together a list of the best cheap automatic cars to lease on the market right now.

SEAT Ibiza Hatchback

First on our list is the Seat Ibiza. This subcompact hatchback’s fresh-faced design is defined by the clean lines of its bodywork, sleek LED headlights, and sporty 15-inch alloy wheels.

Inside this classy little car, you’ll find quality features including a soft touch dashboard and high-grade materials from front to back. The upgraded infotainment system is operated through a 6.5-inch touchscreen and offers smartphone connectivity.

The zippy three-cylinder, 1.0-litre TSI engine is not only fuel-efficient, but produces 95hp, along with 175Nm of torque.

Safety wise, this automatic is equipped with airbags throughout the car, along with a Tiredness Recognition System (TRS), Lane Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on the newer models.

Kia Rio Hatchback

The popular Kia Rio is next on our list. Although this handsome hatchback is relatively inexpensive, it still offers many excellent features.

The solid body of the Kia Rio sports newly designed front and rear bumpers – ensuring this compact car is easy on the eye.

Internally, durable materials, logically laid out controls, along with a spacious boot and good all-round visibility, all contribute towards the practical nature of the car.

The user-friendly infotainment system is operated through a standard eight-inch touchscreen and offers wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The automatic Kia Rio Hatchback is remarkably fuel-efficient. It’s 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine produces 120 horsepower, and allows for a top speed of 118mph.

Peugeot 308 Estate

Next up is the Peugeot 308. The standard exterior equipment of this stylish car includes a large grille, uniquely designed LED headlights and brake lights, along with 16-inch alloy wheels.

The well-crafted cabin features a squared-off steering wheel and Peugeot’s ‘i-Cockpit’ digital driver’s display – both fitted as standard.

The 10-inch infotainment system is centrally located in the dashboard, and offers smartphone connectivity, and a wireless charging tray. Additionally, some of the functionality can be controlled through the practical ‘OK Peugeot’ voice assist.

The fuel-efficient 308 houses a 1.2-litre petrol engine, coupled with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking are amongst this automatic hatchback’s array of standard safety features.

Volkswagen T-Cross Estate

The Volkswagen T-Cross Estate is an attractive, small crossover SUV.

This automatic car sports black roof rails, an integrated roof spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, along with a high gloss surface front grille – underscored by an eye-catching chrome strip.

The interior offers an abundance of space throughout, whilst the raised driving position, big windows, and slender pillars ensure plenty of visibility and a commanding view of the road ahead.

Tech wise, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen display, conveniently located in the dashboard, offers smartphone connectivity, DAB radio, USB charging and Bluetooth connectivity.

The capable 1.0-litre petrol engine is turbocharged, allowing for the Estate to accelerate from 0-60mph in 11.8 seconds.

The T-Cross has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and comes with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking and a driver fatigue monitoring system.

Toyota Corolla Touring Sport

The Toyota Corolla Touring Sport features a robust looking exterior, with clean lines and athletic proportions.

The interior of this automatic has a bright and spacious feel to it, with premium materials and first-class finishes present throughout. ISOFIX points are located on the outer rear seats.

The loading deck of the 596-litre boot can be lowered to fit larger items, and can be flipped to offer a hardier surface.

The Touring Sport features an eight-inch Toyota touch system that provides satellite navigation and smartphone connectivity.

A 1.8-litre hybrid engine coupled with a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery means the Touring Sport produces 122hp, exceptional fuel-economy at ___mpg, and very low C02 emissions. Furthermore, the self-charging hybrid powertrain doesn’t need to be plugged in.

Pedestrian detection, cyclist detection, road sign assist, and adaptive cruise control are all fitted as standard.

Cupra Formentor Estate

Finally, it’s the Cupra Formentor Estate.

This ultra-good-looking, crossover SUV has the look of a sports car, featuring crisp creases and bespoke bodywork.

The interior of this automatic has an exclusive feel to it with its bronze trim and well-laid out controls.

The resolution of the large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is most impressive, as are the top-of-the-range parking cameras.

There is ample room on offer throughout the Cupra, including in the luggage compartment that comes complete with a relatively low loading sill, as well as nets for securing goods.

The 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine of this 4WD, offers decent performance and reasonable fuel-consumption at 45mpg.

With no less than five driving modes to choose from including Comfort, Normal, Sport, Cupra and Individual, the Formentor Estate is worth your consideration.