THE best automatic cars to drive in the UK have officially been ranked, and some of the leading brands don’t make the top ten.
The best cars have been praised for their potent engines and a high quality feel, whereas others have been criticised for their high price point.
The BMW 3 Series has been named the best automatic car by reviewers at AutoExpress.
Starting at £42,000 to buy new, the 3 Series was praised for being “great to drive”, having “excellent infotainment” and “frugal yet potent engines”.
Reviewers admit that this car is for driving enthusiasts, who will enjoy the refined eight-speed transmissions and smooth shifting.
First released back in 1975, the BMW 3 Series has transformed into a compact executive saloon, with an automatic engine being the norm for the model.
AutoExpress reviewers, however, do not think the 3 Series is perfect, listing issues such as having “high list prices”, “slightly lifeless steering”, and currently facing the threat of “electric rivals”.
Shane Wilkinson, senior content editor at AutoExpress, said: “The latest 3 Series retains its driver appeal, punchy performance and impressive frugality, but has added a more luxurious driving experience”.
Ranking second is the sleek, German Porsche 911, starting at £103,700.
This car is renowned for its outstanding performance, suited to driving thrillseekers.
Despite “superb driver engagement” and a “high quality cabin”, the car is expensive to buy and will not suit those on a limited budget.
Third place sees the considerably cheaper Citroën C3 Hybrid, costing over £21,100 from the French manufacturer.
This great value-for-money motor wins for its frugality, but is said to have an unsmooth hybrid system.
AutoExpress rank popular favourites, such as the Škoda Octavia, the Mercedes E-Class and Honda Civic further down the list.
Noisy engines, lack of efficiency and lagging hybrid systems are the main issues restricting automatic motors from the top three.
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