Renting auto in Bath: Question on best size class; maneuverability vs. luggage capacity

I usually book Economy class. Whether I actually got that or was "upgraded" to something else at pick-up, I did not track. But my carry-on sized bag (21" x 14" x 9") probably filled half the trunk. Although a car makes it easier to pack a larger bag, a smaller bag is still easier for you to handle on hotel stairs and other places where you'll handle the luggage. I have appreciated a smaller car on Britain's narrow backroads, some of which have hedges and stone walls where the shoulder would be.

Note that some agencies call identical cars different classes -- and that what is one class at one agency is a different class at another. There is no hard line between classes. All you will get is a car of the class, not a specific make or model that you reserved.

Hard/frame luggage can present fit problems. Two pieces of soft/squishable/not overstuffed luggage of the size you describe could fit in the back of almost anything and allow room for semi-full daybacks as well.

Anyway, you're wrapping yourself around the axel for no reason.

1. Either car will work fine on the roads.

2. If you reserve the smaller of the two and it doesn't work, march back in and switch it for the next size up. The cost would only increase to what it would have originally been.

"wrapping yourself around the axel" -- is that a British expression? I am afraid I don't understand the meaning of that. But thanks for all of your advice and help!

Rick probably means small in the American sense, rather than the UK sense. Car categories are at least one, if not two, sizes smaller in the UK than the same named category in the USA. However, note that automatics are rare in cars below category D, although this is improving.

Is this your first visit to the U.K.? If so, you may be surprised at what you see and experience. For example, even the narrowest of roads that you experience will take a Range Rover, since that is what the richer local farmers will be driving. If they are wide enough for one of those, it will make little difference if you have chosen a tiny car or an average size one like a Ford Focus. Few attractions are down very narrow lanes, and most roads, even rural ones, are two lane and accept large trucks and agricultural tractors as required. My choice of car would be based on comfort for long journeys and space for bags, rather than on size. In addition, a larger car is more likely to be readily available with automatic transmission and have the power to keep up with other traffic.

The roads in Britain are much busier than most roads in the U.S, outside the major conurbations, and the traffic flows much faster. This, and the more frequent bends, means driving therefore requires greater concentration. This is tiring, and is one reason why you cannot easily travel such long distances in a day.

Hi
Speaking as a long-time UK driver, and someone who drives on holiday too, I'd not recommend any car as small as a Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa, especially if you have two large suitcases. However the next 'size' up would be fine - you mention the Hyundai i30, which would be OK - other common makes/models to ask about would be Ford Focus; Vauxhall Astra; Peugeot 308; Citroen c4; Toyota Auris; Kia C'eed etc etc. The German marques (VW; BMW; Audi; Mercedes Benz) also have cars of such a size, but you will almost certainly pay a premium for them. The cars I've mentioned are driven by millions of UK drivers, and they fit just fine down the narrow country lanes - whatever the size you drive, your driving etiquette, alertness and common sense are more important than the width of the car!

Most cars can be hired with an automatic box provided that you give enough notice. In England petrol (gasoline) is cheaper to fill up with than Diesel engined cars, although performance of like for like engines is similar. Also worth noting that most cars come with air-conditioning these days, but check if it is on the particular model you want to hire.

@ Peter ,"wrapping yourself around the axel" is Edspeak for you're making too much out of this , it's really a pretty easy thing on balance . Hang around here a bit and catch on to Ed , his advice is spot on .