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.
Packing for a short break
The first decision to make is how much you actually plan to take with you. A couple travelling light for a weekend may be content with a smaller car, while a family filling the boot with suitcases, coats and outdoor gear will want more room to spare. Lay out what you expect to bring before choosing a group, and consider whether anything bulky, like a pushchair or a set of golf clubs, is coming along. Tell the team what your luggage looks like when you enquire. They can then talk through which vehicle groups are likely to cope with your load comfortably.
Choosing around the driver
Think about who will spend the most time driving and what they prefer. Some drivers favour an automatic for stop-start traffic or longer stretches, while others are perfectly content with a manual. Consider whether the main driver would like a higher seating position, extra adjustment, or a familiar layout of controls. If two people will share the driving, note both sets of preferences and any details the team will need about each driver. Passing this on early helps match the booking to the people actually using the car, rather than to a generic choice that suits nobody in particular.
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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.