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.
Plan the journey before choosing
Begin with where the car is going and when it comes back. A single day of errands around the area asks something different of a vehicle than a weekend visiting family or a longer holiday trip with a full boot. Sketch out the dates, the destinations and the likely mileage, then consider who is driving and what they find comfortable over that distance. If the trip involves a return leg on a set day, build a little flexibility into the timing in case the outbound part runs late. These details give the team a clear picture when they confirm the right vehicle group, delivery or collection options and price.
Choose around the driver's habits
Preferences matter more than people expect, so gather them before you enquire. If the main driver has only ever used an automatic, say so; if they favour a higher seating position or need easy boot access for a pushchair or golf clubs, note that too. Think about how many people and bags will travel on the busiest leg, since an executive saloon and a people carrier serve different parties. Mention any second drivers at this stage rather than later. The team can then talk you through the compact cars, automatics, estates and other options available for your dates, and you can weigh the choices against what you have written down.
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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.















