We Pick Our Favourite MPVs

If you’re going on holiday with a large group of friends, why not hire a people carrier to get all of you and your baggage wherever you need to go. To decide on the people carrier best suited to you, you will need to consider the number of people in your party and of course the amount of luggage you need to transport. If you are on a tape budget you will want to rent a diesel MPV or minivan, as this will save considerably on fuel costs.

If you are organized and manage to book a vehicle well in advance then you are guaranteed to get the best price available, it’s a bit like booking cheap flights, the sooner you book the cheaper the price. Many websites allow you to use a booking engine where you can input your travel dates and other information once and get all the available prices displayed, which will save you time and money. Use the Internet to research well in advance of your travel date and try to make sure you read the small print as well. Check out each company’s policy on fuel, do you need to fill the car up on the way back or do you return the car empty.

Many car hire companies charge excesses of €2000, so please ask about this and think about taking insurance cover on this as well. Read on to discover a selection of the people carriers and MPVs, SUVs and minivans you can expect to find available for rental at most locations across Europe and beyond.

SEAT Alhambra – Strong Contender for Top 7 Seater.

SEAT have produced a refined and practical people carrier in the Alhambra which is cheaper to hire than most of its competitors. Excellent handling and decent fuel economy mean the Alhambra is an economic selection. Amazingly quiet for its size, it also has taut handling and feels remarkably responsive to drive. There’s plenty of room for baggage, and overall it’s a very pleasant experience. Not many negatives, but if you’re being picky, the sheer size of the vehicle can make parking a bit of a struggle. The back seats can be a bit tricky to fold away but there aren’t many faults to point out on the Alhambra. Despite the odd niggle, as one of the cheapest people carriers you can hire today, the Alhambra can be forgiven.

Ford Galaxy.

The Ford Galaxy MPV is really built with one thing in mind, that’s luxurious practicality and it’s a very popular 7 seater car hire. The Galaxy looks a bit old-fashioned on the outside but inside the cabin is a revelation, and it’s a joy to drive.. It will comfortably seat seven adults and both rows of rear seats fold flat into the floor to give massive luggage space. Despite its size it’s actually surprisingly decent to drive, and the top end models are really well equipped.

The ride is responsive and despite its size there is virtually no roll. The entry-level specification models are still very decently equipped, with electric windows and air conditioning standard. Depending on whether you choose a diesel or petrol version, you can expect fuel economy of around 30 to 45 miles per gallon.

After some early teething problems, the Galay is now one of the most reliable people carrier hires you can opt for. A roof box may be advisable if you are travelling with seven adults, as the boot space though good, is better in rival MPVs. In summary, if you’re looking for a luxurious, comfortable people carrier hire, the Ford Galaxy is an excellent choice.

VW Touran Compact 7 Seater.

Of the many small MPVs on the people carrier rental market, the VW Touran may not be the most eyecatching in appearance – but don’t be put off, it is one of the most versatile 5+2 seater people carriers available. Volkswagen seem to have done everything well with this compact vehicle which seats seven people which delivers everything you need at a very affordable hire rate. You will be pleasantly surprised at how quiet and pleasant to drive this vehicle is although diesel versions are noisier, so please bear that in mind if you are traveling long distances.

If you’re looking for a practical and versatile people carrier you will find it hard to beat the Volkswagen Touran. The third row of seats fold down to create additional luggage room and there are around 39 storage points inside the car.