Hiring a car for your next “roadie”? We share our insights into the makes and models selected by our users, so you won’t get confused between your ‘Compact’ vs. ‘Mini’ or your ‘Standard’ vs. ‘Full-size’. We clear up these differences and reveal the top 10 most popular car categories on KAYAK.com.au. That way, you can better search and plan for your next sweet ride.
Aussies like to balance comfort vs. cost when it comes to their choice of ride. Unsurprisingly, good old ‘Economy’ makes up 28% of car categories searched on KAYAK.com.au. Our Aussie users also like to keep things neat ‘n’ tidy, with Compact coming in at second-most popular. Though it seems some Aussies do like to feel the wind in their hair, with around 3% looking for a ‘Convertible’.
We also scanned our search results to find out which car makes and models are most popular in the top 10 car types. Adding fuel to the perennial Ford vs. Holden rivalry, Ford is the most common brand selected in 4 out of 10 car categories. In the Convertible category, Aussies want to find themselves cruising in a Ford Mustang, which, at 52% of searches, is streets ahead of its next nearest competitor, the Chrysler 200 (2%).
Our Hacks for Hiring a Car
It’s always tempting to put cost before comfort when hiring a car, but this can lead to disagreements between spouses, children arguing in back seats and a myriad of other unintended consequences. To avoid this, our nerds at KAYAK.com.au have added a variety filters to help you find the ride that suits your travel needs.
Some handy tips:
- Mini, Compact and Economy cars are – you guessed it – the smallest available. They’re usually 2-4 door and don’t have much room in the back seat. This is okay for a couple of days in the city with one or two people, but not ideal for longer trips or off-roading. Let’s be clear: this is not the type of car that you should attempt a crossing of the Simpson Desert with.
- If you have a lot of passengers or luggage along for the ride and a snug & sweaty trip in the back seat isn’t so appealing, ‘Standard’ or ‘Intermediate’ cars are roomier and more likely to keep friendships intact.
- Keep in mind that Standard can include 2-door models. So families on a road trip should aim for at least a full-size car. This isn’t a huge car, but will almost always have 4 doors, and more space in the boot. To fit the whole family and to minimise the likelihood of someone having to pull the car over so that other passengers can walk, a Van is your best bet.
- ‘Premium’ cars have more seat and leg room, so are great for longer road trips. For a roomier ride with less stop and more go, an upgrade to ‘Luxury’ is the answer. A Porsche Panamera or BMW 5- or 7-series can be found in the ‘Special’ category filter.
- If you’re heading off the beaten track, select an SUV vehicle, which is perfect for an off-road adventure. But please, take lots of water and tell someone where you’re going.
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