Car for mountain driving?
 

My husband and I are "flatland" drivers, but will be renting a car to see the Basque Area and all the way to Barcelona and Girona. We got quotes for an Opel Astra and Renault Megane(both stand. trans.),but don't know if they have the right power for lots of mountain driving. Also, is the car return area of Sants Station difficult to find?<BR>Thanks!

Carolyn,<BR><BR>Both cars are exactly what you need for 2 people. Power will be fine - unless they stick you with a model that has a crappy engine - ask for 1.6 liter minimum, 1.8 would be better.<BR><BR>Buen viaje!<BR>Andre

Thanks, Andre! Now, any info on the car rental return in Barcelona, Sants rail station?

Carolyn,<BR>I can't tell you about car return at Sants because I've never renturned a rental there, but just want to agree with Andre. We always rent a compact every summer for our drives all over Spain. We've had Astras in the past that have handled the mountains pefectly well, and we do lots and lots of mountain driving each yr. For the Basque Country last year we were given a Ford Focus diesel (perfect). For our explorations of the Catalan Pyrennes this summer, we'll ask for the same. You'll be fine with either the Astra or the Megane.

Mil gracias por la respuesta r&aacute;pida e informativa. Buen viaje este verano.

We had a diesal Opel Astra last year in Austria. I did not like the diesel; it was too sluggish on the mountain roads.<BR>The brakes were fine, but the power was lacking and the gearing was funny.<BR>Third gear was not sufficient to gear the car down; second gear was such that I had to keep my foot on the gas pedal.<BR>It is a little small, too.<BR>We drove an Opel Vector in Switzerland twice. It was much bettr, but more expensive. The best I have had was a 5-speed Fiat. I don;t recall the exact model.<BR>