When you rent a vehicle, you have many decisions to make, and one of them is the choice of transmission. Automatic car rental is becoming increasingly popular. But those who prefer to have more control and enjoy an engaging ride would still opt for the manual transmission. So, what should you choose?
Manual or automatic, that is the question
The automatic transmission makes your life easy behind the wheel. In fact, it is the best option for long drives. If you are a chiller and like to take it easy, you are probably the first choice for an automatic car. A good automatic transmission makes driving relaxing while the car gets the job done. The decision mainly depends on what kind of driving you plan to do. For long distances, an automatic car is usually the best choice. But there is also a downside to automatic car rental. Automatic car rental in Europe tends to be an expensive option because there are fewer automatic car rental deals. And there's also fuel economy to consider. Vehicles with manual transmissions are more likely to get better gas mileage than automatics.
Here are the pros and cons of the automatic car hire:
Pros of the automatic car hire:
- A smoother ride
- No constant gear changes and shifting in traffic.
- Always two hands on the wheel
- Your left foot can rest
Cons of the automatic car hire:
- Fuel economy
- Less control
- Less committed drive
However, in the end, the most appropriate transmission is the one with which you're most comfortable.
Note: In some cases (car rental booking sites) it is difficult to search for automatic car rental. However, Orbit Car Hire is a transparent page where you will find the vehicles listed and visibly marked which vehicles are automatic and which are manual.
5 Best Automatic Cars To Hire in 2021
If your mind is made up, and you want an automatic, then that's great. But there are some truly awful automatic vehicles out there. That's why we've made a list of the best ones.
Here are the best automatic cars in 2021:
1. Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla is a great choice for car hire. It's stylish, drives well, and is great for families.
2. Audi A3
Audi A3 offers a comfortable ride, it's easy to drive, and it's classy.
3. Volkswagen Golf
Excellent engines and superb refinement make Volkswagen Golf a great car hire choice.
4. Volvo V40
Volvo is always a classy choice, but it's also economical. If you don't need lots of space this one is a winner.
5. Ford Focus
Safety, interior, and cabin space make this one a keeper.
How to drive an automatic – in 4 easy steps
Automatic transmissions usually let you choose between N (Neutral), D (Drive), P (Park), and R (Reverse). Drive (D) allows you to drive forward and shift automatically. Neutral (N) is the same as a manual transmission with no gear. Reverse (R) is selected when you want to drive in reverse. Park (P) is only used when you stop.
So, let's get this party started. Here are four simple steps to put your automatic into drive mode: Put the right foot on the brake and start the car by key or start button then move the shifter to drive (D).
- If you are moving, the automatic will do what it does - the gearbox will automatically select the right gear.
- When you're driving at low speed, take your foot off the brake.
- When you want to stop or park, keep your foot on the brake and shift into P, turn off the ignition and voila, you know how to handle the automatic beast. It's that simple.
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