Automatic Car Leasing

Automatic cars used to be less efficient than manuals, but that’s no longer the case. Modern automatics are designed to shift at the most efficient time, which can actually improve fuel economy compared to a manual. 

So yes, in many cases, automatic cars can be just as efficient, if not more so.

If you'd like to see the fuel efficiency of a model, head over to our fuel calculator. 

Yes. Almost all hybrid cars use an automatic transmission because the electric motor and petrol engine work together most efficiently without manual gear changes. Some older models may differ, but for most modern hybrids, an automatic is the standard.

Electric cars are always automatic. Because they don't have a traditional gearbox or clutch, there's no need to shift through the gears.

For more information, check out our electric and hybrid hub. 

It depends on the model. If a car comes with an automatic gearbox as standard, the lease price will be the same as any other trim.

For cars where a manual is the default, choosing the automatic version can cost a little more. However, with more hybrids and EVs on the road, the price gap between manuals and automatics is continuing to narrow.

Not sure which automatic is right for you? Try our comparison tool.

There's four gear positions in an automatic car: 

• Drive (D) – This is the default position for driving forward. When in drive, the car automatically shifts through its gears as needed based on your speed and driving conditions. 
• Park (P) – Use this position when parking the car and turning off the engine. 
• Reverse (R) – Shift to reverse when you need to back up the car.
• Neutral (N) – Neutral disengages the engine from the wheels, so the car can roll freely without power from the engine. Use it when you need to push or tow the car or when waiting.