Minivans Reviewed

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. With the price of fuel at an all time high, consider hiring a diesel vehicle as this will reduce your overall cost hugely.

Try to book your people carrier hire well in advance of your travel date to make sure you get the best price possible. There are plenty of websites out there who will compare all the different people carrier and MPV providers and try to get you the best rate. Do your research ahead of travel and above all remember to read all the terms and conditions as many suppliers of people carrier hire differ from each other. 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. There are all sorts of shapes and sizes of people carriers available and we will give some information on different types of vehicle below.

SEAT Alhambra – Affordable 7 Seater People Carrier.

The SEAT Alhambra is a refined practical and spacious MPV which compares well with its near neighbour the Volkswagen Sharan. Petrol and diesel engines can be had and fuel economy is pretty decent throughout the range of models. It’s extremely quiet for a big MPV and the cabin feels smart and solid. It has an excellent safety record it’s easy to drive and it’s extremely well-equipped. On the downside, the sheer size of the Alhambra means that parking can be a bit problematic. If you need rapid access into the luggage area than one downside of the Alhambra is that the rearmost seats are a bit fidgety. Despite the odd niggle, as one of the cheapest people carriers you can hire today, the Alhambra can be forgiven.

VW Touran.

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. Inside, the Volkswagen Touran is roomy and quiet, there is terrific versatility in the seating arrangement, and plenty of space for luggage. With great all round insulation, there is very little wind noise when driving the Touran, however, the diesel engines are a bit noisier than the petrol versions.

Practicality and versatility are without doubt the VW Touran’s strong points. The third row of seats fold down to create additional luggage room and there are around 39 storage points inside the car.