Automatic cars are always a popular choice on the Motability Scheme. They help make driving easier, especially if you have disabilities. And they come in all shapes and sizes. In this article, motoring expert Richard Aucock reviews six automatic cars available on the Scheme with no Advance Payment. There is a range of automatic petrol and electric cars to choose from. All are designed to make your drive smoother.
The Motability Scheme price list is updated every three months. The next price list will be released on 1 October 2024. Remember, prices can go up as well as down
Automatic cars on the Motability Scheme offer excellent value for money as there’s a wide range of options available with no Advance Payment. The growing number of electric vehicles (EVs), which are all automatic, is increasing the choice of automatic cars through the Scheme. Many automatic cars are also available for less than your weekly allowance.
Right now, there is a shift away from petrol and diesel cars, due to a Government rule called the ZEV Mandate. This means that car manufacturers need to sell a minimum proportion of EVs, each year or face fines. In 2024, the target for each car brand is 22%. The percentage of EVs they have to sell will continue to rise each year until 2035.
This means there are lots of changes for car manufacturers and you may see prices for some petrol and diesel cars increase. But, a growing range of great-value electric cars for no Advance Payment with the Motability Scheme is helping offset this.
Go electric with the Motability Scheme
With the Scheme, you’ll get more than just a brand-new car. You’ll also benefit from the full worry-free lease package, including car insurance, breakdown cover, tyre repair, servicing and maintenance. And for electric car customers, there’s also support for home charging and public charging.
When you lease your first electric car through the Scheme, you’ll get a standard home chargepoint installation at no extra cost. To be suitable for a home chargepoint, there are a few things to consider, such as if you have permission from the homeowner, or have off-street parking, like a garage or driveway.
If you cannot have a home chargepoint installed, you’ll get a subscription to the bp pulse network, the UK’s largest public charging network.
All Motability Scheme EV customers also get the new Motability Go Charge card and app. This lets you easily charge at more than 50,000 public chargers in the UK. It’s a great new way for the Scheme to make charging simpler for their customers.
You can compare vehicles to help you choose the best car for you. Of the many automatic cars available on the Motability Scheme for no Advance Payment, here are six of my highlights.
Hyundai i10, 1.2 [79] Advance 5dr Auto [Nav]
From £66.50 a week with no Advance Payment
What sort of car is it?
The Hyundai i10 is a compact five-door car that’s tailor-made for the town centre. It’s small on the outside and big on the inside. This version combines a punchy 1.2-litre petrol engine with an automatic gearbox.
The Advance Nav trim line is well-equipped and even has sat nav as standard This high-spec model also costs less than your weekly allowance and can be driven by under 25s.
Why is it so popular?
This Hyundai i10 shows that even the most city-friendly cars can offer smooth and effortless drive on an automatic. As drivers do not have to worry about a gearstick or the clutch pedal, it gives really simple and straightforward motoring. Its efficient petrol engine means it should be cheap to run, too.
While this car is small on the outside, it’s still surprisingly roomy on the inside. The front and rear doors give easy access, and there’s lots of headroom. The boot is a decent size for such a compact and easy-to-park car, too. The fact this version comes with a touchscreen sat nav as standard is an added bonus.
Alternatives to consider: The Kia Picanto is another good city-sized small car with an automatic gearbox. It has recently been updated, gaining a unique new front end that gives it a more assertive appearance.
Kia Stonic, 1.0T GDi 99 2 5dr DCT
From £75 a week with no Advance Payment
What sort of car is it?
The Kia Stonic is a fashionable crossover-style small SUV. It has a chunky appearance and a raised seating position. This means it’s easier to step in and out of than a regular small car. The higher seating position gives a better view out, too.
Why is it so popular?
The Kia Stonic is a fun car to drive. It has a smooth and lively turbo petrol engine, and a slick automatic gearbox. During testing, I found the fuel economy impressive. It’s easy to drive, and all the controls are clearly laid out and simple to use. The family-friendly interior is roomy, and the 352-litre boot is a good size.
Not only is this Kia Stonic available for no Advance Payment, it also costs less than your weekly allowance. This makes it a particularly great value car available on the Scheme.
Alternatives to consider: If you want a small SUV with the great value and low running costs of an electric car, the Fiat 600e is a good alternative. It is also available for no Advance Payment.
Mazda MX-30, 107kW Prime Line 35.5kWh 5dr Auto
From no Advance Payment
What sort of car is it?
The Mazda MX-30 is a fun-looking small SUV that combines crossover style with sporty detailing. This electric car offers a range of up to 124 miles, making it ideal for everyday use. Plus, it charges up quickly, so you’re always ready to go.
Why is it so popular?
The Mazda MX-30 is a great choice for those after an electric car that’s a bit different to the norm. It has the raised seating position of a small SUV, combined with styling cues from the world-famous Mazda MX-5 roadster. This makes it a fresh and unique choice. This lively spirit carries through to how it drives, with the electric MX-30 feeling swift and nippy.
It has a party trick too, as the back doors are hinged at the rear, meaning they open outwards. This gives an extra-wide and unrestricted space with both doors open. Some will find this very convenient. Another highlight for me is the fashionable interior trim, which includes the use of real cork on the centre console.
Alternatives to consider: The Nissan Leaf, built in Britain at the firm’s famous Sunderland factory, is another electric car available on the Motability Scheme for no Advance Payment.
Fiat 500e Hatchback, 87kW Icon 42kWh 3dr Auto
From no Advance Payment
What sort of car is it?
New on the Motability Scheme, the Fiat 500e is a stylish retro recreation of the iconic Italian city car. This electric car is fully future-proof and perfect for driving in its natural city centre environment. I love the simplicity of its automatic gearbox, you simply press the clearly marked buttons on the dashboard to engage gears.
Why is it so popular?
The Fiat 500e is a really charming car to look at and sit in. The characterful three-door design can be set off by a beautiful range of colours. The interior has trim that matches the paint colour, which is a lovely touch. The seats are mounted nice and high, giving a good view out. I found the large doors and flat-bottom steering wheel made getting in and out nice and easy.
This great-value Fiat 500e has a larger 42kWh battery, offering a range of up to 186 miles. This makes it a great choice for both city driving and longer trips. For city driving, a smaller battery is usually enough, while you might need a larger battery for longer trips.
When you choose your EV, it’s important to be realistic about how you’ll use your car to pick the right battery range for you. This modern car is perfect for young drivers, including those under 25, as it’s designed to fit your lifestyle and keep you moving in style.
Alternatives to consider: If you love great design but need a car that’s a bit bigger, the Vauxhall Mokka Electric is well worth considering. It is available for no Advance Payment and has a range of up to 209 miles.
Peugeot 2008, 100kW Allure 50kWh 5dr Auto
What sort of car is it?
The Peugeot 2008 is a stylish small SUV that has recently been updated with fresh new styling. It now looks even more modern and premium. It has a silent-running electric motor, and the large battery gives a range of up to 212 miles.
Why is it so popular?
The Peugeot 2008 has an exciting feel, thanks to its smart design and modern interior. Its extra-small steering wheel frees up more space for the driver. The quick steering makes it feel easy to drive, especially with the effortless electric motor. The high bonnet makes it easy to manoeuvre when on the move and makes it feel safe inside.
The dashboard design stands out with its high-tech displays, but Peugeot has kept a row of buttons for quick and easy access to key functions. It’s a great blend of modern innovation and practical convenience.
This Allure version, available for no Advance Payment, is well-equipped, making it great value for money. It even has a standard rapid-charging function, so you can use high-power chargers on the move for fast EV top-ups. The Motability Go Charge card and app help you make the most of this.
Alternatives to consider: The Citroen e-C4 is a stylish alternative that offers standout comfort and refinement. Its electric motor has an impressive range of up to 221 miles, too.
Citroen e-Berlingo Estate, 100kW Plus M 52kWh 5dr Auto
From no Advance Payment
What sort of car is it?
The Citroen Berlingo is an automatic car on the Motability Scheme that offers great value for money. It is has both plenty of space for five people plus an extra-large boot for all their luggage. This latest version benefits from a stylish redesign that brings an eye-catching look to the front end, and updates to the trim inside.
Why is it so popular?
The Citroen Berlingo is a brilliant car for passengers. It has sliding rear doors, making getting in and out easy, and the seats themselves are comfortable and supportive. The tall roof means it feels light and airy, and there’s lots of storage space. It has a really big boot too, with 775 litres of space giving room for at least five large suitcases.
The electric drive means this automatic car is really easy to drive. A big battery gives a range of up to 212 miles. It’s quiet and smooth while driving, making the ride more relaxing for everyone inside.
View the Citroen Berlingo Estate
Alternatives to consider: The Vauxhall Combo Life is another roomy electric Motability Scheme automatic car with no Advance Payment. This version has the added appeal of seven seats. It is another electric car that has a range of more than 200 miles.
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About the author
Richard Aucock has been a professional motoring writer since 1998. He’s written about the car industry for the Motability Scheme since 2009. He has many key roles in the motoring world, including the UK juror for AUTOBEST, a juror for the World Car Awards, and Vice Chair of the Guild of Motoring Writers. Richard is also the director of Motoring Research, a leading UK publisher in the industry.
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