Auto hatchback/£4.5 budget

[Mika_98]

Hi all,

Trying to help a family member with finding a first car - £4.5k budget, small hatch and max engine size around 1.4. Not fussed if diesel or a petrol.

I unfortunately do not have a great deal of experience with autos. However, from reading topics, it seems a torque converter is a safe option and possibly a cvt, but with the downfalls of slight delay with cvt when moving from idle.

So making a shortlist of cars and looking at Mazda 2 and Honda Jazz. Any others to consider? Do some Kia models have torque converters? If so, are both petrol and diesel models generally reliable if well maintained?

Any other suggestions greatly welcomed as options are limited.

[mikeyr]

Nissan Note is available in same price range, think all the autos are 1.6 petrols. Yaris would be an obvious choice, think that's a CVT.

[Mika_98]

Thanks, had a look at Notes after your suggestion. Looks like a great option and some with decent extras/kit too

[andrewcliffe]

Despite her best efforts, my mother in law failed to kill her nissan note 1.6 auto, and whilst it was pretty boring to drive, it was well equipped and reliable.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd recommend the Astra (but make sure you get the auto & not the Easytronic one as that's a nightmare) they'll be 1.6's & you'll get a nice one for your budget.

Elite:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501268...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403237...

SRI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501077...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404218...