The rise of automatic cars has given drivers a lot more variety when it comes to selecting a vehicle that suits their needs and lifestyle. Over the past few years, gearless cars have vastly changed their appearance, making them far more attractive, comfortable and cool to drive for people of all ages.
Part of this renaissance of the automatic car has been under the bonnet. Previously, gearless cars were afflicted by high fuel consumption and poor performance, but the new models from leading manufacturers match to the gearbox counterparts, and even exceed them in some cases.
However, this has meant it's a lot harder for a driver to make a decision about what automatic car they should buy, once they have chosen to make the switch. We've created a guide of the most popular automatics on the market, which strive to take the stress away from driving.
Seat Leon Hatchback
This 1.2-litre hatchback has everything that you'd get from a car with a gearbox, making the change as easy as possible. Its seven-speed, DSG automatic gearbox removes all the stress of having to manually change gear, so much so you'll wonder why it took you so long to ditch the gearstick.
The Seat Leon also has a comparable eco-efficiency rating, with an average of 58.9 mpg. The interior of the car is comfortable and spacious enough to accommodate the entire family. It's also incredibly affordable, making it a popular choice with automatic drivers.
BMW 1 Series Hatchback
BMW offers nearly all of its models with the option to ditch the gearbox if you wish, and the BMW 1 series is a convincing argument. Carrying all the high performance of its German engineering, the car is extremely fast and quick to maneuver, making it the automatic choice for car lovers who want to go automatic without sacrificing looks or speed.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox is a key component of this luxury vehicle, and makes the BMW model an attractive option.
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback
Sporting VW's seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, the Volkswagen Polo 1.4-litre is even more eco-friendly than its manual counterpart, achieving 48.7 mpg and emission levels of just 135 g/km. Perfect for commuters, the VW Polo takes all the stress away from driving and its range of gears stops the engine from having to strain itself.
Jaguar XF
The Jaguar XF is as incredible as the name it carries, with its brand new eight-speed automatic gearbox breathing life into an old favourite. Although the machine boasts competitive economy and fuel statistics, it is a smooth enough drive for either motorway or city driving, ensuring that it's a car for all seasons and all people. It even comes in a 3.0-litre V6 diesel option, giving you that little bit of extra bite when you hit the pedal.
Range Rover Evoque
Range Rover's Evoque packs all the punch you'd expect and its automatic gearbox is uncompromising. This car boasts one of the best automatic transmissions, with an incredible nine gears. It offers impressive performance and economy improvements, compared to the six-speed alternative.