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
If you are weighing a compact car against an estate, start by writing down what the journey actually involves. Count the passengers, list the suitcases, boxes or pushchairs, and note roughly how much boot length anything awkward, such as a set of golf clubs, might require. A weekend away for two with soft bags looks quite different on paper from a longer run with four people and hard cases. Sketching the itinerary, including distances and how many days you need the car, gives the hire team something concrete to work from. When you request a quote, you can also ask their view on which vehicle group suits your list and dates, and whether any item on it raises points worth settling first.
Choosing around driver preferences
Suppose two people will share the driving on a longer trip; their preferences deserve a mention before booking. One may favour an automatic, while the other is content with either, and noting this early avoids disappointment later. Record who will drive, how old each driver is, and how long they have held their licence, since these details usually form part of any quote request. If someone prefers a higher seating position or needs space for a child seat, add that to your notes as well. You can then ask the team what options exist within your preferred category, what delivery or collection arrangements apply, and whether any of your listed preferences affect the vehicle groups on offer for your dates.
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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.















