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.
Noting Driver Preferences Before You Enquire
Before asking for a quote, write down what the main driver wants from the car, since these preferences shape which vehicle groups to discuss. Note whether an automatic is preferred or a manual causes no issue, whether the driver is comfortable with a larger estate or SUV, and whether a compact city car suits the parking they expect to encounter. Record how many drivers will share the trip, along with each person's details, and note any feature requests, such as a particular seat height or boot shape, so nothing relies on memory. If preferences conflict, such as one driver wanting an executive saloon and another needing a people carrier, list both. The team can then talk through vehicle groups against your notes, and you can flag whichever points still feel undecided.
Planning Around Children and Their Bags
A separate list covering children and luggage keeps the quote request accurate. Count each child and note their age, since seating needs vary by age, then add the adults so the total passenger number is clear. For bags, list every case, holdall and rucksack, and measure any item that falls outside the ordinary, such as a pushchair, booster seat or travel cot, recording its length, width and height beside its name. Note whether you bring your own child seats or need to ask about them, and mark anything that might change, like a buggy swapped for a smaller one. Sharing the full list with the team means the group size and luggage needs are recorded together, and any open questions can be raised then.
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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.