Which Car? 'Is the Yaris the best small city automatic?'

Rosemary Johnson drives a Metro Si 1.4 she needs to change. She must have an automatic and is familiar only with Minis and Metros, but she cannot afford a new Mini. So she wants an automatic city car up to 18 months old.

MS Johnson's timing is interesting because the spiritual successor to the old Rover Metro is about to be launched called the City Rover. Due in November, it is based on the Indian-built Tata Indica. The projected price range is £6,500 to £8,500 for this 1.4 litre model.

We will have to wait for the results of The Independent road test, but it is a back-to- basics model, fairly spacious, practical and cheap. Trouble is, I have spoken to MG Rover and at launch there will not be an automatic model.

But they hinted heavily that an auto box would become an option soon. Until then, Ms Johnson will have to look for a slightly used alternative and that will not be easy. Used small, automatic cars are always in demand and attract a premium price over manual equivalents of several hundred pounds.

So the supply of good used, small automatics can be limited, and Ms Johnson must be prepared to shop around. Car supermarkets may be the best source.

A car for the head

The best of the smaller hatchbacks, the so-called supermini class, is still the Toyota Yaris. It is hard to go wrong with one. The engines are willing and deliver good fuel economy. The upright driving position is similar to an MPV and that means great visibility all round, plus extra room inside. Also just as in the old- generation Mini, the instruments are grouped in the middle of the dashboard.

A three-door is more spacious and comfortable than an old Metro and prices for a 2002 1.0 S will be about £5,400 with a warranty from a dealer.

Another model worth considering, and is almost as old as the Metro, is the Nissan Micra. But it is a much better and safer car, having been heavily revised in 1998 and widely available with an automatic gearbox. Indeed, the later models were fitted with an automatic gearbox that did not shift between ratios but had one long one that made it easy to drive, especially in built-up areas.

Year-old examples are cheap because of the arrival of the new model and start at about £4,995. Ms Johnston would probably be better off with the larger, 1.4 engine.

A car for the heart

By driving Minis and Metros for so long Ms Johnson has demonstrated a liking for small cars with character. So maybe she would like the Smart car.

This stunted two-seater car could be a bit of shock but it is as radical as the Mini was more than 40 years ago. The Passion model has an automatic gearbox, but there are more left-hand drive than right-hand ones on the market.

At £5,995 for a 2002 model some reckon this is far too expensive for what is a tiny car with no real boot. Ms Johnson deserves a conventional car. The Seat Arosa is that car. It is nicely styled and based on the Volkswagen Lupo, but it is cheaper.

There is a 1.4 automatic and Rosemary will find it is a refined little car. Whether she is using it around town or going on a longer journey on the motorway, the Arosa is a safe and comfy companion. The boot is small but the rear seat splits. The latest restyled model should be available at £7,500 or so, almost exclusively at Seat dealers and the older, duller- looking Arosa will be £5,900 for a 2002 model.