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 what the driver prefers
Start by writing down who will be behind the wheel and what they expect from the car. Some drivers want an automatic; others are comfortable with anything and simply need a vehicle that suits the journey. Note whether the same person will drive throughout or whether another named driver might take over partway through the hire, and any preferences around size or controls they are used to. If the car is replacing a vehicle that is off the road, mention what it replaced, as this often explains what would work well. Passing these details to the team at the outset means the options offered line up with the person actually driving.
Thinking through everyday car sizes
Once the driver's needs are noted, turn to how the car will be used day to day. A car for short local errands carries different expectations to one covering a long route with several people aboard. Consider the number of occupants, the luggage for each and whether the boot needs to swallow a pram, shopping or work equipment. Think about where the car will be parked, since tight spaces can influence what feels manageable. None of this points to a single answer on its own, but describing the pattern of use, rather than just the dates, gives the team a clearer basis for suggesting a vehicle group that fits.
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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.















