If you are planning to visit the UK in the near future, it is worth taking some time to consider how you are going to get around while you are there. You’ll find that there are many transport options available – though some are more comfortable and convenient than others.
With that in mind, many visitors choose to rent a vehicle in London from companies including Express Rent-a-Car and others. This is an especially attractive option if you are going to be travelling between cities, as a rental provides considerably more comfort, freedom and convenience than most mainstream public transport options.
But there are many different vehicles types available to rent – and some are better suited to certain situations than others. Along those lines, we’re going to take a few moments to consider the most popular types of rental vehicles that you’ll find in London.
Hatchbacks and City Cars
A hatchback is ideal if you plan on doing most of your driving in London or another UK city. Many of these destinations have complex downtown road networks, with tight parking available in many cases. A compact car is perfect for zipping through city streets, squeezing into available parking spaces, navigating narrow roads and otherwise making the most of your time in London.
A large luxury vehicle is comfortable – and it can be quite enjoyable if you are out there on the open road. But if you’re spending your time in a metropolitan area, you’ll be glad that you opted for the hatchback instead. Bear in mind that various models are available. For example, you may be able to find a compact car with three or five doors. The key is to spend time considering what your real on the ground needs are going to be so that you can plan accordingly.
Luxury Cars
A luxury vehicle such as a BMW or Mercedes is great for driving in the city – so long as you don’t have to spend much time in traffic or navigating side streets. But that aside, the luxury car is at its best when you are out on the open road driving between destinations.
Longer trips are made so much more enjoyable by a comfortable luxury vehicle. These vehicles offer the best in terms of ride quality, performance and interior features. You’ll enjoy every creature comfort whilst exploring the countryside and outlying cities in England and beyond.
When you are looking for the best provider of luxury rental cars in London, don’t be afraid to engage in a bit of hearty price comparison. Some agencies, such as Express Rent-a-Car, manage to offer highly competitive rates even for their luxury class vehicles. With that in mind, exploring the area around London in first-class style does not have to be prohibitively expensive. In fact, in some cases it is surprisingly affordable.
People Carriers and MPVs
If you are travelling with a relatively large group, then you may want to look into a more spacious people carrier capable of transporting up to nine passengers. Make sure that your hire agencies provides modern vans, so that you and those in your group can enjoy all of the latest fittings and conveniences.
People carriers are ideal for family reunions, student outings, stag and hen parties and so much more. When you are able to fit that many people into the vehicle, the car hire cost per person is surprisingly little. You’ll find that the convenience afforded by being able to travel as a group is far preferable to having to coordinate your journey on buses or trains.
It’s also worth noting that these vehicles are available in much more sophisticated models than your average minibus. The Mercedes Viano is a good example. It features leather upholstery, privacy glass and, of course, a fully air conditioned interior. With that in mind, this mode of transport also suits business travellers who prefer a higher level of style, space and comfort while en route to their onward destination.
4×4 Off-Road Vehicles
You may not have much need of a four wheel drive vehicle if you are only spending your time in London or on major roadways. Indeed, in that situation, a bulky vehicle like this is only going to get in the way. But for visitors who are planning to spend time exploring the countryside, a 4×4 vehicle could be just what is needed to make the experience all the more enjoyable.
Depending on where you plan on visiting, it is possible that the roads could get tough. In this case, a sturdy SUV is going to serve you well during your time in the UK. However, make sure that you deal with a reliable agency that is going to provide you with a truly high-spec vehicle that is capable of taking on the challenging road conditions.
You’ll find that there are several different vehicle types available, and it is easy to become confused regarding which is best suited to your situation. Range Rovers are highly capable vehicles that will not shy away from even the most challenging off road conditions. For a luxury experience that has less to do with off-roading, consider hiring a Mercedes GL.
If you are considering renting a 4×4 for your next visit to London, it’s probably a good idea to call ahead and speak with the hire agency you plan to rent from. They’ll be able to advise you regarding the best vehicle to suit your itinerary, and to offer insight into whether you’ll be best served for a 4×4 or a different vehicle type altogether.
Finally, when you are looking for the best agency through which to set up your rental, don’t forget to factor in the convenience of having your vehicle delivered to you – be it at the airport when you land or to your hotel on the day you are planning to strike out on a road trip. The fact that some agencies provide this service (while others do not) makes it even easier to settle on the best car-hire providers in the UK.