Motor expert Alfonso García, known as 'Motorman', has recommended small hybrid cars such as the Toyota Aygo, Toyota Yaris, Fiat Panda and Fiat 500 as the best rental options for summer travel. He gave the advice to presenter Bea Calderón on the program 'Poniendo las Calles'.
García said that if renters have the choice, a small car is better than a medium one. He said his recommendation was to choose small models like the Toyota Aygo or Yaris, or a Fiat Panda or 500, because these also come in hybrid petrol versions that use less fuel.
He also pointed to a basic rule of car rental companies: a rented car has to be returned with the same fuel tank level it had when it was handed over.
Advantages of hybrid models
According to the report, renting cars such as the Toyota Aygo X, Toyota Yaris, Fiat Panda or Fiat 500 is one of the smartest decisions travelers can make. Their hybrid engines sharply cut fuel spending, with savings of up to 30 percent in city driving. They are described as the best options for traveling on a controlled budget and parking without stress in crowded tourist destinations. For those who want to avoid unexpected costs, renting is presented as an ideal alternative.
These vehicles also make getting around easier. Their ECO label allows access to low emission zones in major cities. Their small size is well suited to driving and parking in historic city centers, and many of them, especially the Toyota models, tend to come with automatic transmission, which adds comfort while driving.
Other alternatives to consider
While hybrids are the top choice, Motorman also raised other options, including the Opel Corsa, the Peugeot 208 and the Seat Ibiza. He also suggested a bifuel option, asking why not consider a Dacia Sandero Bifuel running on LPG and petrol, which he said allows savings of thousands of euros a year on fuel.
For those who need more space and trunk room, the expert advised models from a higher segment, such as the Renault Clio or Toyota Corolla, which offer more room for families or longer trips. He noted that if the car will be used intensively, it is worth weighing whether renting still makes sense compared with other options.
Keys to booking without surprises
To secure the desired vehicle and avoid extra costs, the advice is to book as far in advance as possible. The cheapest categories, known as Group A/B, are the first to sell out on major rental platforms such as Rentalcars or Sixt.
Two final tips stood out: always check the fuel policy and choose the "full-to-full" option to avoid unexpected charges, and compare insurance coverage to take out all-risk cover with no excess, which allows travelers to drive with full peace of mind in case of any incident.
