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.
Working Out Your Driver Preferences
Which details should you note before browsing options? Start with the basics: your hire dates, the name and age of each proposed driver, and whether anyone prefers an automatic or a manual gearbox. Then think about everyday habits, such as whether you regularly carry rear passengers, need extra boot space for shopping or pushchairs, or want a higher seating position. Writing these preferences down helps you explain priorities when you contact the team. You might also record whether any driver has particular requirements, like adjustable lumbar support or easy access, and ask which vehicle groups tend to suit those. If several drivers share the booking, gather each person's licence details in advance so nothing delays the enquiry.
Comparing Everyday Car Sizes
How do you decide between a compact, an estate or a people carrier? A practical first step is to list what the car must hold on a typical day of your hire period: passengers, shopping, luggage or sports gear. Note rough dimensions for any bulky item, such as a set of golf clubs or a folded wheelchair, and count how many people travel together most often. You can then ask the team how the groups compare for boot space and rear legroom, and whether a particular category matches your list. If your plans vary across the hire dates, mention both scenarios and ask which single option covers them. Recording your delivery or collection preference alongside these notes keeps the quote request complete.
Explore other car hire areas
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.















