Defining Your Car Group: Expected Car Guaranteed!

“I know pretty well how to distinguish a sedan from a SUV!” – you have probably thought, haven’t you? We are not going to point out to the obvious but we do want you to get the exact car you’ve expected booking online! Do you remember the unified principle of car rental companies?

• you can choose a specific car group but can’t choose a specific car model.

This principle is as old as the car rental industry itself!

If you’re booking a car with a picture of “Volkswagen Golf or similar” next to it – that means you can be offered VW Golf as well as Nissan Note, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Kalos or another similar vehicle from the same car group at the rental desk.

What if the class of the vehicle offered at the rental desk is lower than the vehicle class you’ve booked? How to get an upgrade? And which car class do you actually need?

To avoid any confusion car rental companies simply classified the fleet by size and purpose but not by sophisticated A, B, C, S class measures. And of course, you can filter the vehicles by automatic or manual transmission.

The majority of car rental companies group their vehicles according to the simplest way:

* The following capacities are to be a general guide only. It’s up to car’s manufacturer how many seats and luggage space to make.

1.      Mini is a car smaller than a compact. A mini car’s engine capacity is under 660 cubic centimetres.

Most of us imagine Mini Coopers when speaking of mini cars but that’s not quite right. Usually car rental companies define Mini Coopers to “Mini Elite” or “Special” car group.

• Most mini cars look like a “Smart”, the most striking representative of the group. They have similar exterior and capacity. That’s what you should expect booking a mini.

2.      Economy is a car designed for a low fuel consumption mainly.

A fuel efficient vehicle makes great sense, doesn’t it? The less fuel you need, the more money you save! Economy cars incredibly combine small size and maximum usable interior space, light weight and brilliant safety performance.

• The key feature of economic car group – it is cheap and affordable for general public.

3.      Compact cars are almost always hatchback and small-sized.

A hatchback takes the compact car and gives it more interior space. Car rental companies themselves say they don’t see the difference between these 2 segments anymore because both of the car types have all necessary standard options.

• Compact and economy cars are both of small size but compact cars are not meant to be cheap while economy segment really means to be affordable for most of us.

4.       Intermediate cars offer much more comfort and space than the previous car groups. 4 adults? With suitcases? Intermediate vehicle will fit great!

Intermediate cars are the small sedans focused on passenger space.

• Don’t expect the luggage will have as much space as passengers do!

Couples who are fond of travelling, intermediate car group is perfect for you!

5.      Standard cars are more popular than intermediates because of the bigger trunk.

They have the same options as intermediates, the same passenger space (4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children). Generally speaking a standard will suit for a small family better and intermediate is nice for travelling couples. But if you can’t be without all your things during the trip and need more space for your suitcases – standard car is a perfect choice!

• Key feature – bigger trunk then intermediates have. Recommended for small families with and lots of luggage!

6.      Full size car is an ideal vehicle to transport up to 5 adults in comfort. So you can imagine how roomy it is. Plus a large truck enough to transport the luggage of those 5 people!

Full size cars give more space for your legs and elbows, have higher roofs. Having a trip in such car is a real delight! But be prepared for higher rates.

• The key difference of full size cars – they have the most storage space and passenger capacity among the sedans.

7.      Luxury car has more space plus exclusive luxurious features for people who value their status.

Branded audio system, dual zone climate control, backup camera, luxurious leather interiors and super safety system – these are the options you won’t find in any other car group.

• Key difference – everything’s exclusive!

8.      Premium

Same size, same beauty of a vehicle in comparison with luxury class. But premium cars do not have a part of those exclusive options inside. There won’t be a cruise control option or 6-8 cylinder performance but still premium car will provide you the high-end comfort!

• If you want a luxurious vehicle and don’t need to complicate it with sophisticated options than a premium car is an ideal variant for you!

9.      Van/Minivan car group offers vehicles roomy enough to transport in comfort

• up to 7 passengers (minivans) or
• up to 15 passengers (full size vans).

Also you can book one from the cargo vans in this category for transporting 10 pieces of luggage or more.

10.      SUV group includes small SUVs like Ford Ranger or Suzuki Jimny, medium SUVs like Kia Sorento or Ford Edge and large SUVs like Nissan Pathfinder, Audi Q7 or Volkswagen Toureg.

SUVs are classified by passenger and luggage capacity:

• small SUV transports up to 5 people and 3 pieces of luggage;
• medium SUV – 5 people (the same passenger capacity but has more space for things) and 4 pieces of luggage;
• large SUV – 7 passengers and up to 5 suitcases.

 11.      Exotic/Special group includes sport cars, supercars and even some rare specimens!

These cars’ performance is highly superlative. They are pure bestial look. Even if you never own one of these they will change the way you feel about cars just by looking at one of them!

• Key difference from luxury cars – absolutely unique or incomparably powerful, personalized cars.

12.      Convertible car doesn’t have to be high-end class! Remember that it may be any car with a removable roof.

It’s up to you to choose between Fiat 500 Convertible, Renault Megane Cabriolet and BMW 3 series Cabriolet! There are convertibles for any budget and taste.

• Key feature – removable roof. All the other inside options and interiors can be different as well as the fuel consumption.

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