We just reserved a Mercedes A 180 for our drive from Rome to Sorrento. We decided on it because it is an automatic. It is described as mid-size or compact , depending on where you read about it. (Avis and Auto Europe). We will be 4 adults with 4 suitcases (not carry-on size suitcase )and 2 small carry-on tote bags. The vehicle description says it holds 5 people and 1 large and 2 small suitcases.

If anyone has used this vehicle, will it accommodate our luggage?

Since we are only 4 people, we are thinking that some of the luggage could go on the seat where the fifth passenger would sit and the rest in the space behind the seat. If you are familiar with this vehicle, do you think this will work? We did not want a large car as we will be using the vehicle while we are in Sorrento and I do remember the trials and tribulations of driving and parking a 7 seater van years ago in Italy. Smaller is good, but I want to make sure our luggage will fit and we will, too!

Thanks.

It is not a mid size, but a compact There will be no room for luggage in the car, besides the 4 people. You should rent a station wagon.

I agree with Ellene. It's a nice car, with a terrific 6 speed manual transmission, but there is not enough room for the luggage you are proposing to take with you. if you choose to try to carry luggage in the passenger compartment, be certain to get theft coverage. You will have reason to use it unless you never leave the car without at least one occupant.

There is not that much more covered space in the wagon. An SUV, without a 3rd row, might meet your luggage and exterior size needs. I have found the people at Kemwel to be very helpful in dealing with these kinds of issues. They seem to be more aware of the car details than anyone I spoke to at the major rental companies.

Click on the pictures for a gallery of load space at
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/review...05.aspx?page=3

My first rented car in Italy was this one. We were three adults and we each had one fairly large suitcase and one carry-on. We definitely had room with room to spare for all three and the suitcases. We did have one suitcase, I believe, in the back seat. While I think four people would be pushing it, and you may be quite uncomfortable, if you need the squishing only for the ride from Rome to Sorrento (and back?) I might go with this, if only for the convenience of not having to deal with a larger car. After this experience, we rented a smaller size car the following time and were absolutely fine with people and luggage. Good luck.

Yes, we will be squished for just the ride from Rome to Sorrento (we have done this ride 4 or 5 times in the past), with a week in Sorrento, and then back to Rome for one night before our departure for home. I just want to make sure that the luggage will fit with the 4 of us in the car.

Keep the info coming - we have time to change the reservation if your experience indicates that this will or won't work for us with this vehicle. We would love other suggestions, but keep in mind we really want an automatic vehicle. My husband drives both, but would prefer the automatic for this trip - it would make thing smuch easier for him.

Thanks for the info, everyone, and Alec, that is a very helpful website.

Fodorites are the best!

I have rented one and I don't think there is a chance it will fit 4 large suitcases behind the rear seat.
You may end up with people in the back travelling with suitcases on their laps.

Aramis, will it fit one or two(hopefully) suitcases in the rear seat area with two passengers in the rear seat also and two in the back area? The small carry-on totes can go near our feet, I think.

The people we spoke to at Avis just look at their website info and do not have real experinece with this so I am so thankful for whatever real experience info we get.

Thank you.

Nice car for 2--with 4 get a wagon or van

There is no way it will come even close to holding your luggage. When we had 4 adults we rented a C class - and even then had to put a couple of our carry-ons in the back seat. (we each had a medium sized checked bag - 24" or so and a small carry-on.) For 4 adults with more than carry-ons you need either a full size car or a van.

Do NOT let them talk you into anything smaller - or you will be having to tie it to the roof and hoping for the best.

My wife and I hired a Merc A170 (very similar size) and we found it fine for 2 adults with 1 case between us.

I do not believe there is any way will you be able to fit 4 cases and 4 adults and 2 tote bags in a car of this size.

The boot size is 435 litres (hardly large) - if you insist on this car then perhaps get soft bags instead of suitcases (at least you can squash them a bit into tighter places).

It may be a short drive, 250km, but I don't think the rear seat passengers will thank you - just my opinion.

Well, we will have to re-visit this choice. I don't think any of the larger vehicles are automatic though.

If you can get a Passat Wagon you should be able to squeeze in... some of the bags might need to be one on top of the other in the luggage area though.

We had a Passat Wagon automatic in Nice last summer and there was ample room for 3 ...

Rob

Looking into the Passat wagon now. Avis lists it as manual but the Rome office I called said it is automatic but I'm not positive that it is. Where was my meager Italian when I need it! We also called Auto Europe and they have an automatic Nissan Primera which may work for us also.

Avis office in Rome said the Passat is manual - first man was incorrect.

4 adults and luggage would suggest to me a people carrier rather than a car. Something of the size of a Ford Galaxy would do

You may have better luck getting an automatic transmission car if you book and reserve at the airport. Is that possible for you, I mean are you arriving to the Rome airport? I have always booked there and never had trouble getting an automatic.

I'm glad you asked this Marianna... we have the same car rented for 3 of us in July going Rome-> Abruzzo-> Siena-> Milano. Thanks to all for your helpful answers.

Flame123 - we sound closer to your circumstances so I think I'm going to stick with this vehicle unless anyone else has additional thoughts to add.

I have done 4 people and suitcases + carry-ons in a Passat wagon but that is a minimum if you don't want anything in the passenger compartment.

You won't get a Mercedes anyway.

The cars they show on their website are just examples. You will probably get a FIAT.

And a compact car is way to small for four persons with luggage. Forget it.

You need a wagon or van. AVIS offers a mini van with automatic gear. But this does not mean anything. You will be in Italy. And in Italy, a written confirmation means nothing. And no Italian understands that anyone might want to drive a car with automatic gear. Better get used to stick shift. And good luck with your rental car.

(I am speaking from experience. We had reserved a 7-seater minivan for our family of six. What we got was a 5-seater (!). When we complained, they offered us two cars for our family of six - but we had four children and seniors. Finally, we waited for two hours (!) at the airport until they gave us a truck with 18 seats (and manual gear). It was fun to drive this monster on the Costiera Amalfitana. That's Italy.)