michi

Can someone give a description of a 5-door Opel for me. This is the car we'll have in Portugal next week and suggests four-doors + a hatchback. Would this be correct? Or would it have a enclosed trunk?

There are three of us travelling with one suitcase each about 28x8x16 along with a second piece of luggage probably a duffle bag (sports type) on wheels, somewhat smaller than the above. There will also be some hand luggage.

Can anyone give me an idea of the storage in this car and does it sound like we'll all fit!

Thanks.

janis

28 inch suitcases are very large. You want to store 3 28 inchers, 3 large-ish duffles, and assorted hand luggage in a 4 door hatch back. This is a lot of stuff and the person in the back seat will probably have to sit with some of it. How long are you going for - a year? I know you didn't ask for this sort of advice, but most people don't need a 28 inch bag, a rolling duffle and hand luggage.

the hatchback does have a cover to hide what's inside - but with all that stuff the hatch cover won't be able to close all the way.

ira

Hi michi,

I suggest that you move up to the Opel Vectra.

It is described as seating 4 adults with 2 large and 2 small suitcases and a bag.

It has a real trunk.

The Opel Astra 5 dr is described as holding 4 suitcases.

nytraveler

When car rental companies talk about large suitcases they usually calculate 24" - not 28" - never mind enormous duffle bags etc. For 3 people and all that luggage I would think you would have to have a mini-van.

(There were 4 of us with moderate luggage - much less than you will have - and we rented a full size car - Mercedes - and had a hell of a job getting it in the trunk. Even then a couple of small carry-ons had to go on the floor in the back.)

nytraveler

Separately - and I know this is none of my businesss - but is this a touring company of The Mikado or something?

Can;t imagine what you could possibly be bringing - especially since Portugal is not that cold. It's not like you'll be needing ski clothes, boots, tons of heavy sweaters or anything!

michi

I have since learned the car is the Opel Corsa Comfort and I found that it will hold all the luggage -- as long as we're not in the car!

While we need extra space for my arthritic comfort (like a small folding stool and extra shoes) I have taken your advice and we will leave my three-cup rice cooker behind.

The luggage dimensions are a little smaller than I gave but won't make any difference. I guess I got carried away since our last three trips we didn't have a car (being Canadian and seniors we don't drive in countries that drive on the left). However, we have driven many times in Portugal since my husband used to work there. We are aware of the driving habits of that country.

Thanks for your sensible advice and good humour. Ah the Mikado. That's closer than you think.

Cheers

ckenb

Try to get an Opel Zafira. It's a mini-SUV vehicle that should have the room you need. I had one a couple of years ago and enjoyed it.