We have rented a car in Oxford England for our September trip to the Cotswolds. We have chosen a "Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 or similar" and we are wondering what size car this actually is? What US car is it comparable to? Thanks!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33553 posts
The official website for Vauxhall shows it is a midsize (by British standards. You can use that website and Google others to get sizes and volumes. Remember you likely won't get the exact model quoted, and may not get the same make. Vauxhall is a GM brand, and mirrors the German Opel brand.
Posted by
OP
Guthrie, OK
251 posts
Thanks!
Posted by
Monein, Pyrenees, France
425 posts
Your chances of getting the quoted car are virtually zero. The SIZE you have gone for is what in the UK would be called a "family" car and is what you will probably get. i.e. 4 (possibly 5) seats and enough room for your normal flight luggage. If there is four of you with a big pile of cases you will probably need something larger.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32328 posts
Cindy, Were you planning to rent a model with an automatic transmission? I'd highly recommend that, especially if it's your first time driving on the "correct side of the road". You may find it helpful to have a look at some of the many websites that cover "driving in the U.K." as there are some good tips there. Cheers!
Posted by
Beverly Hills, MI
813 posts
The above is a very good point, you really want to have an automatic transmission if you are new to driving on the other side of the road. Make your reservation for an automatic and if (more like when) the guy at the rental counter does the "Oh Gee did you really want an automatic?" routine stand your ground. They may have to give you a free upgrade but if you reserve the automatic they are obligated to provide it.
Posted by
Claremore, OK, USA
13 posts
I, too, am finding it difficult to compare UK & American cars, tho I am familiar with a few models, and to find a car with automatic transmission. When we last went to the UK, it didn't seem to be a problem but there are very few listed. Is the Vauxhall Insignia similar to the American Chevrolet Impala or Malibu possibly? My husband is 6'5" tall, so we don't want to get something too small.
Posted by
OP
Guthrie, OK
251 posts
RG,
I agree that the Vauxhall Insignia is similar to the Chevrolet Impala or Malibu, from what pictures I have seen. I would think that your husband would be fine with it. We would also be fine with something a little smaller, as the narrow roads are of concern to me.