Please sign in to post.

Car hire for UK

Posted by on

I will need a vehicle for four weeks of driving in the UK. The site that I wish to use has two choices for automatic transmissions. Both appear to have a boot for two large (airline) suitcases.

The first is the compact-- VW Golf Auto
The second is the intermediate -VOLVO V40 AUTO

I know the Golf will be small, but so I am concerned that it will take two airline sized suitcases. We website indicates that it does.
The Volvo seems to meet that test.

I am not familiar with the Volvo model here in the USA.

I would be interested if anyone could confirm that both cars will take two large airline suitcases in the boot. Also, I would appreciate any comments on handling, size and comfort.

I am 6 Ft 1" tall and average size for that height. I thing the Golf may be ok, but we will be driving quite a lot.
Thanks

Posted by
214 posts

I have rented many times out of Heathrow, be very cautious when renting based on truck size, none have turned out to be as big as it advertised. A good vehicle to get is one with a hatch as you have space and they normally have a cover that goes over the luggage area. Ford Modeo etc seem to be a good size.

Posted by
43 posts

FORD Mondeo is wonderful Have rented several times and the boot is huge. Also car comes well equipped

Posted by
5269 posts

You will get two large suitcases in the golf however you may not be able to close the boot with the parcel shelf attached. Removing it is easy however you have no protection from prying eyes. I'm 6'3" and have no problem driving a golf.

My choice would be the Volvo, an excellent and reliable car.

Posted by
6560 posts

What you reserve and what you get will seldom be the same. You'll get what's on the lot when you pick up the car. Car boots in Europe are smaller than in the states. I recommend leaving the large suitcases at home. If you pack smart you can fit everything you need (notice I didn't say want to take) into a carry-on sized suitcase. You can do laundry if needed, on the trip. Regarding larger suitcase, keep in mind that some hotels and B&Be don't have elevators, so hauling a large suitcase up 3 floors can be a pain.

Posted by
7673 posts

Our trip is a month and a half, with four weeks driving in Britain and a transatlantic cruise back to the US. Carryons won't get us more than a few days before we are stuck in a launderette washing our clothes.

Posted by
4524 posts

Larger cars are a liability off the motorway, and in rural areas they can be a severe liability unless you are comfortable zipping along with just 6 inches separating you from walls and oncoming traffic.

Why not get 2 carry on sized bags each (or maybe 3 total) and then you have more flexibility with trunk/boot shape. You don't need the seating space so don't get larger than a compact car.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.