Matching a hire car to your passengers and luggage
Tell the team how many people will travel and how many cases, buggies or bulky bags you expect. Seating and boot space are separate questions. Say whether you need an automatic or are happy with a manual, and mention any child seat request early so it can be checked before you are quoted. Include details for every driver who may take the wheel.
Picking a suitable car
Start with the journey and pick the car to match it. Smaller cars are suited to city driving and short stays, automatics make local driving easier, estates and SUVs give more room for luggage, and people carriers are a better choice for families or small groups. The range available includes the Fiat 500, VW Golf, Ford Focus Estate, Ford Focus Automatic and Hyundai i10 Automatic, subject to dates, driver details and availability. The precise make, model, transmission, seating, payload and licence position are confirmed when you are quoted, so treat the vehicles listed as a guide to the kind of hire on offer rather than a guaranteed reservation of a particular model.
Comparing Everyday Car Sizes Before You Book
If you are weighing up a compact against an estate, start by listing what will travel with you. Note the number of passengers for each day of the trip, then itemise the bags: two suitcases, a folded pushchair, a set of golf clubs or a bicycle all point towards different vehicle groups. Measure the longest items where you can, including length and height, and write the figures down rather than estimating. If the trip involves several stops, sketch the itinerary so you know whether everything stays in the car throughout or gets unloaded along the way. When you ask for a quote, share the passenger count, the item list with dimensions and the dates, and ask which groups could accommodate that combination.
Choosing Around Driver Preferences and Practicalities
Driver comfort matters as much as the load, so think about who will be behind the wheel. If someone prefers an automatic, note that early, since it narrows the available groups. Consider whether the driver is happy with a larger vehicle or would rather keep to something compact, and whether any additional drivers need to be added for the booking. It is also worth deciding the dates precisely, including pickup and return times, and confirming where the car should be delivered or collected. Questions worth asking when you enquire include which vehicle groups suit your preferences, what the delivery or collection arrangements are for those dates, and whether anything on your list, such as a roof box or child seats, needs noting in advance.
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Last checks before booking
Before you confirm the hire, check the key details: vehicle availability, driver requirements, mileage, insurance, delivery or collection arrangements and any extras you have asked for, along with driver age, licence history, the deposit, the insurance excess and any travel abroad. A clear request gives the date, the length of hire, the rough route, the delivery or pickup address, the expected passengers or load, and any particular requirements that might affect which vehicle is suitable.















