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.
Choosing a car around driver preferences
The first decision to record is who will be driving and what they prefer. Note whether the main driver favours an automatic or a manual, whether they have a preference for a higher seating position, and whether any additional drivers should be added to the booking. Write down the dates you need the car and where it will be collected and returned, since these details shape which options are open to you. If the driver has particular requirements, such as needing space for a child seat or wanting a specific body style, list those too. Keeping these notes in one place means you can share them quickly when you enquire, and the team can respond with the vehicle groups that match the preferences you have recorded.
Packing notes for a short break
If the car is for a short break, think about what you will pack before you enquire. Write a list of the bags you expect to bring, noting how many suitcases, holdalls or smaller pieces there will be, and whether any items are long or awkwardly shaped, such as skis or a folding buggy. Recording the approximate dimensions of the largest bag helps when comparing boot space across different vehicle groups. You might also note whether you plan to shop while away and return with more than you set out with. These details are worth sharing with the team, because the vehicle you would choose for a light weekend bag may differ from one that suits a fuller load.
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.















