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.
Finding a car to suit the trip
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.
Planning a Return Journey in Advance
When a return journey is on the cards, the dates at both ends deserve early attention. Decide when you need the car from and when you will hand it back, and consider whether those times might shift if plans change. Note the purpose of each leg of the trip, since a business appointment may need more buffer than a shopping visit. Record who will be travelling and how many bags, cases or items each person expects to bring, along with rough dimensions for anything unusually shaped, such as a bicycle or a folded pushchair. If the car will be left somewhere different from where it was collected, write that down too. These details help the team understand the shape of your trip when you ask for a quote, and they highlight anything still undecided.
Comparing Everyday Car Sizes for Your Plans
Working out which size of car suits your plans starts with an honest look at your passengers and their belongings. Count the people travelling, then list what each will carry, from hand luggage to full suitcases, and note the approximate dimensions of larger items. A compact car may suit a couple with light bags, while a family with a boot full of equipment might look at an estate or a people carrier. Executive saloons and SUVs each offer different amounts of space, and the team can talk through the vehicle groups once they know your numbers. If your plans include several stops or a longer route, that can also influence which size feels right. Keep your notes on passengers, bags and item sizes handy when requesting a price, since specific details usually lead to a more useful reply.
Explore other car hire areas
What to confirm on the phone
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.