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 Around Driver Preferences
Begin with a note of who will be driving and what they prefer. Some drivers want an automatic; others are happier with a manual, or need a higher seating position for comfort on a long run. Write down each driver's details, the dates they will be at the wheel, and any preferences such as an estate for extra boot space or a saloon for arriving at a formal occasion. If the car will be shared, ask each driver to say what they need before you enquire, and record any differences of opinion so you can discuss them with the team. Where the vehicle is collected and returned, and whether that suits everyone's schedule, is also worth noting. These notes help the team confirm the right vehicle group and price.
Sharing Trip Details with Companions
Once the booking takes shape, keep everyone in the loop. Send your companions the itinerary, including departure time, stops and expected arrival, so they can flag clashes early. Share the vehicle type you have discussed, along with the plan for luggage and who is bringing what, so bags are not duplicated or forgotten. If someone has a contact at the destination, collect their number and circulate it, in case arrival arrangements change on the day. Agree how you will communicate while travelling, and decide in advance who holds the keys at each stop. A short message with the collection address and return time is often enough. When everyone knows the plan, the day itself tends to run with fewer questions.
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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.















