What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Which small conventional auto?

Working in a garage we have various customers who have issues with small hatch back cars with automatic gearboxes. So many of them seem to have issues with, for example, the MMT fitted to Aygos, 107s and C1s, and other issues with the automatics fitted to Nissan, Ford, Fiat where the whole drive experience is ruined by poor gear changes and delay in moving forward etc.

My sister in law has now had an issue with her Aygo MMT whereby it could cost around £1400 to fix so she has asked me what is the best small hatch to buy where it has a conventional automatic transmission with a torque convertor and no electronic actuators etc. but I do not know of any.

One of the most reliable cars I can think of is the Honda Jazz, although it has the CVT which I also know had issues. Is there a small hatch you could recommend that has a more conventional automatic transmission?

Asked on 11 September 2012 by sarobowe

Answered by Honest John
Automated manuals are almost universally pretty awful. FIAT's Dualogic works the best because FIAT has the most experience of these boxes. Mitsubishi Colt automated manuals are probably 2nd best. Generally, actuator and clutch problems seem to start occurring after 4 year or so.

The smallest hatch with a 'proper' torque converter autobox is a Hyundai i10. Others are KIA Picanto, Suzuki Splash and Vauxhall Agila.
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
Mother in law has Peugeot 207 Auto 1.6 petrol. The gearbox is playing up and the overall finish of the car seems poor. Whats the most suitable replacement? It will be used for short distances (10 miles)...
My current car, a Honda Civic coupe, will be 13 years old next year. It will need a new cam belt and about £400 or £500 spent on it. I have really loved this car and it has not cost a lot to run. Now...
Hello I am looking for a small car that will do no more than 2000 miles p.a. Automatic is a must and because of the mileage petrol. Many Thanks David Meecham
Related models
Cheap to own. All models have airc on, five seatbelts and flat folding rear seats. Rides and handles quite well for its size. 99g/km Blue model from early 2011.
Small yet tall five-door city car. High seating position. Rear seats fold flat. Auto is 4-speed torque converter. Highest first time MoT pass rate of any car.
Surprisingly spacious small five-door city car. Makes best sense with 1.0 petrol engine. Much better than old Agila. Rebadged version of Suzuki Splash.
Great value. High quality, neatly designed interior. Good to drive.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer