Why is it that we like driving a nice car when we’re at home, but when we go on holiday or vacation, we decide to opt for the cheapest possible car rental model? Into this, we try to cram a family of 4 with all their associated luggage and paraphernalia. We are happy with our decision for about 30 minutes until we get onto the highway and realise that the absolutely maximum speed that the car will go – now that it is laden with granny and grandpa, their ten bags and the kitchen sink – is 110km/ hour (67 miles/hour).
And that’s with your foot flat on the accelerator. Going downhill.
Not fast. Not enjoyable.
Yes of course you don’t want to pay over the odds for your self-drive holiday. BUT you do want to enjoy it! And driving can be a joy. Especially in South Africa with its relatively open roads.
So here’s the low-down on minding your Ps and Qs. Which car rental model should you opt for?
All the cars below have air-conditioning, power steering, air bags, central locking, ABS brakes so we don’t mention these again in the individual summaries.
Caveat: We generally use Europcar and Bluu. The car rental model group codes differ slightly so we have used Europcar codes for illustrative purposes but each car rental company has groups which broadly match each other.
Check out our South Africa car rental pages with sample self-drive tours.
We are showing the car group models in approximate order of their price (from low to high).
Questions to ask:
- Does it have enough space for all our luggage?
- Does it have enough power for longer car journeys?
- Is it the right transmission to suit me?
Group C or D: The reasonable option
Key points
The Group C is Toyota Corolla or similar Manual Transmission. Generally 1.4 litre engine but some 1.6 litres engine on fleet as well. The Group D is a Toyota Starlet, or similar, and has similar specs but with Automatic Tranmission. We tend to use the Group D.
Most, but not all, of our sample self drive tours for couples in this website are based on a Group D (to keep it affordable) but we can easily swap to a larger car if you prefer. Our family self-drive itineraries do NOT use this car group, nor our sample tours heading into more remote areas. See Group R later.
Ideal for: This is great for European couples who prefer a manual transmission. Being small, it’s got good fuel efficiency, but not a huge amount of power. However most clients like the Automatic Transmission.
Not suitable for:
– More than just a couple
– People not used to a Manual transmission car
– Anyone who likes a large boot (or trunk) as some of the Group C & D models are hatchbacks
Note: The Group C is a similar specification BUT with a Manual transmission.
We usually book the Group D unless someone specifically asks for the manual transmission.
Group F: Gets you from A to B faster
Key points
This is a Group F. Toyota Corolla Quest or similar. Automatic Transmission. Â 1.6 litre engine. A saloon model so considerably more boot space.
Ideal for: Couples who want a little more power and automatic transmission.
Not suitable for: A family of 4 as there’s not enough luggage space. (See Group R below). Family with 1 child should be OK.
Group M: Great every day runaround (Compact SUV)
Key points:
Toyota Urban Cruiser, Kia Sonet, VW T-Cross or similar. Manual Transmission. 1.5 litre engine or less.
This is great runaround when you want some boot space and vehicle clearance.
Ideal for: Short journeys in Kruger, where you want higher clearance. Or as a runaround in a city.
Not suitable for: People who want some power in the engine. See Group R for our recommendation.
Group H: Compact SUV when want higher clearance
Key Points
VW T-Roc or similar. Automatic Transmission. 1.4 litre engine. Similar to the group M but with a little more power and features.
Ideal for: In between option between the Group M and Group R
Not suitable for: Families of five adults/teenagers
Group R: Standard SUV, Great for Families
Key Points
Toyota Corolla Cross, VW Tiguan 1.4TSI or Similar. Manual Transmission. 1.4 to 1.8 litre engine.
Ideal for: Families, especially if heading for the bush where you need higher clearance
Not suitable for:Â People on a budget. See Group H or M.
Group Q: Standard SUV, Hybrid Model
Key Points
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.4TSI or Similar. Manual Transmission. 1.4 to 1.8 litre engine.
Ideal for: Those who like the idea of fuel efficiency combined with higher vehicle clearance. Great for families or two couples.
Not suitable for:Â People on a budget (though the price is hardly any more than the Group R and the fuel savings will more than offset the difference.)
Group O: Premium Sedan
Key Points
Mercedez Benz C Class 1.5 or Similar.
Ideal for: Those who are used to driving a reasonable car at home.
Not suitable for:Â Families as boot space will be too limited
Group N: Full Size SUV
Key Points
Toyota Fortuner 4×2 or Kia Sorrento or Similar. Automatic Transmission. Up to 7 seats with no luggage and 5 seats with luggage. 2.0 litre engine.
Ideal for: Families, especially if heading for the bush where you need higher clearance. larger than Group R so good if you are very tall, need a bit more space.
Not suitable for: Very long car journeys as the ride is not as smooth (Design is based on a Toyota Bakkie). We actually recommend Group R.
Group E: Full Size People Carrier
Key Points
Mercedez Vito, VW T56 or Similar. Automatic Transmission. Up to 8 seats with very little luggage and 5 seats with luggage. 2.0 litre engine.
Ideal for: Family or Friends with 5 adults or 6 people.
Not suitable for: People who don’t like driving a larger vehicle, (though its not that big)
Group W: 4×4 Double Car Baakie
I am adding this as we are sometimes asked about a 4×4. But the reality is that this is not really needed in South Africa. Generally a Group N (Fortuner) will suffice. However if you want to go into remote areas of the Kgalagadi National Park, you may need it!
Key Points
Toyota Hilux Double cab, Nissan Navara or Mitsubishi Triton or Similar. Automatic Transmission 4×4 vehicle. 2.4 litre engine. Up to 5 seats with LOADS of luggage space (on view)
Ideal for: Family or Friends going into extrenely remote areas. Note: Hardly ever needed!
Not suitable for: People who dont want to have their luggage on display
Our Insider Tips
- Our sample self-drive holidays are based on a Group D for couples to keep them affordable in price. We strongly recommend upgrading to a Group F for a slightly better ride experience. It will cost you an extra $12-13 per day (ÂŁ8-9)
- Don’t go for the Group M or H if you are a family. As you’ll regret it! We recommend a Group R for our family self drive holidays.
- Generally you dont need a Group N (Toyota Fortuner) unless you are very tall or large.
- It’s highly unlikely that you will need a 4×4 but if you do, then it will be a Double cab ‘baakie’
- Namibia – choose a rugged high clearance SUV vehicle such as at least a Group K. Ideally a Group N or I (Toyota Fortuner). You don’t really need a 4×4 unless you are travel during the summer rains when we do recommend the upgrade.
Namibia
There is a much more limited choice of vehicle in Namibia. We base our sample self-drive tours on a Group R (standard SUV, which gives you decent tyres and high clearance. I
Ideally we recommend upgrading to a Group U (Toyota Fortuner).
You don’t really need a 4×4 unless you are travel during the summer rains when we do recommend the upgrade to a group W (4×4 Double Cab). This is very similar in price to a Fortuner.
Check out our Namibia self drive page with sample Namibian tours
Why book your car rental (and your holiday) through a tour operator?
Tour operator car rental prices are very competitive versus the car rental company’s own websites.
Plus our rates include all sorts of things which are usually extras when you book online.
- Unlimited kilometres
- Fully insured with NO EXCESS
- 1st additional driver at no extra cost
- No airport surcharges
- Damage to Tyres, rims, hubcaps, windscreen & sandblasting damage
- Water and undercarriage damage (unless you’ve been fording rivers!)
Plus GPS or Wifi can be included for a nominal extra charge which is about 40% of what you’d pay when you get to the car rental office.
We don’t do generic. And neither should you.
If you’re looking for a tailormade self drive trip in either South Africa or Namibia, we are here to help you. As we’ve been offering bespoke road trips for over 30 years.
How to get started
- Chat to us about your preferences, interests and current ideas.
- We’ll send you a personalised proposal and price
- We fine-tune it together to give you ultimate peace of mind.
Let’s Start Planning
Tell us what you have in mind and we'll craft the perfect road trip in South Africa, Namibia or Both
Chat to Us Now“Minding your P’s & Qs – Which car rental model is right for you” was written by South Africa self-drive experts, Cedarberg Africa
At Cedarberg Africa, we’ve been crafting exceptional South African or Namibia self-drive itineraries for over 30 years. We’re a team of safari experts who don’t believe in “off the shelf.” Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveller, we design trips that reflect your style, pace, and dreams. Chat to us!
