 You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
We're off to South Africa in March and I'm in the process of sorting out car hire. As well as myself, wife and 2 toddlers (with forward facing car seats) we'll need to fit pushchair, a few big bags and my rather large bike bag (which will be stuffed to capacity with useful 'padding'!)
I'm sorting out car hire. After the three dimensional jigsaw involved in getting the above in a Volvo V50 estate last summer, I'd like something it'll fit in a little easier.
The big problem is the bike bag: at 128cm x 88cm it's a challenge to get in any car with 4 passengers.
The har companies in SA seem to have more SUVs than estates. In particular the option of a Toyota Hilux twincab, Kia Sportage or Nissan X-Trail seem options. As I've never driven any of these, I was interested to see if anyone owned or had hired one, and if so, would the luggage space allow for the bike bag?
Thanks for the help!
I've got a doublecab Hilux, a bike bag will fit in the tub quite easily, but unless it's got a truckman top it'll be awkward to secure the bag. A bike on it's own, or five, can be secured by various means though.
Thanks for the response, Jim.
One of the hire photos shows a covered rear deck with a hard cab up to the roofline. Problem is, previous experience is that it's very difficult to pin hire companies down to a specific car. If the Hilux came with an open and un-lockable rear deck then it'd be a bit of a problem for driving around.
How's the Hilux to drive? Road noise, seat comfort, ventilation etc? We'll have a couple of 5 or 6 hours drives to do.
I was looking at new X-Trail yesterday...pretty large boot and flexible seating
Go to your local car showrooms and have a peek..
mefster .How's the Hilux to drive? Road noise, seat comfort, ventilation etc? We'll have a couple of 5 or 6 hours drives to do.
People complain about them being uncomfortable and noisy, but I have to wonder how soft these people are. You won't suffer any permanent disability from spending 5-6 hours in it. Assuming it's a mk6 it'll drive much like a big car, but with a proper low range should you need it. Ventilation is very good, they are hugely popular in oz/africa. The seats aren't the most supportive, like a bucket seat for example. But are well padded.
Rear leg room is pretty cramped, relative to a mid size saloon car though, and depending on tyres road noise over say 60 mph can be noticeable. I've got 31" at tyres on mine and there is quite a roar off them over 55.
I know it's not on your list, but as a measure, I can get a bike bag (actually 2) into the boot of my Land Cruiser Colorado, flat on top of whatever else is in the boot.