Do rental cars in the "Compact" class generally have closed boots? There are only two of us travelling, and we would be fine with a compact, but the pictures of the cars look like they are hatchbacks (and thus people can see inside the back). We would rather have our luggage out of sight. For example, Avis says it has a "Renault Megane" and Hertz says it has something similar to a "Ford Focus." Pics look like hatchbacks, but before I shell out more cash for a mid-size I thought I'd see if anyone's actually rented one of these. <BR><BR>Plus, is A/C needed in the UK in early September?

I read that it is a good idea to get a hatch back becuase you can back in next to a wall or tree and then noone can open the back. And that under no circumstances should you ever leave luggage in your car, as well as any belongs, when you leave the car.... After I read this I was trying to figure out what to do between 10am and check-in time of 4pm to our villa...any ideas????

First, all the hatchbacks that I've seen have a boot that is covered over by the shelf behind the back seat. This can be removed to fit large items, but generally everything is out of sight. <BR><BR>I wouldn't worry with A/C in the UK in Sept.

You don't need a/c in the UK in September. <BR><BR>Don't think you need to worry about hatchbacks as the boots are concealed. They are different from US hatchbacks.

The Renault Megane definitely has a trunk (boot), and a good-size one at that.<BR><BR>The hatchbacks I've rented always had a cover that is suspended on little ropes; as you close the trunk, the cover rides down to close off the top of the rear space.

Everyone else has it right - hatchbacks are just as secure as sedans/coupes. And you will not beed AC in September - nor at ANY other time in the UK.

Sorry if it was a stupid question. It's just the pictures were deceiving in that you couldn't tell that the trunk was covered. So 2 people travelling with a total of 2 22" suitcases and a couple of smaller backpacks, looking for closed boot, no reason not to rent a "compact"?

Not a stupid question.<BR><BR>Yes, you'll have ample room. In fact, you could easily fit into the next smallest size car - but maybe you don't want to. If you're going to be doing a lot of driving, you probably want to stay with the compact because it handles better and is likely a diesel, which will save on fuel. The subcompacts are fun to zip around in, and are often unleaded, which is more expensive, but not much fun if you're doing any serious driving.

No - not a silly question at all But I differ with St Cirq about it probably being diesel. There are SOME diesel rental cars in the UK but they are much less common than on the continent. I don't think I've ever gotten a diesel in GB.