Club Arnage

Is there an appreciable difference in size between the two?  The price difference for a week's rental is more than appreciable, with the Zafira being almost $300 less.

We'll have 4/5 guys + 4/5 duffel bags.

What say the experts?

Thanks!

You'll struggle with that many people in a Zafira (it's basically an elevated hatchback) but I wouldn't say you'll have loads of room in the Espace. The Espace is bigger though, depends on how much driving you're going to do.

Who are you renting it through?

I thought the Zafira was a small people carrier with 5 normal seats plus two that fold into the boot (trunk) floor. IIRC, if you use the 7 seats you have literally no boot space. It would be cosy but I would have thought it would have done the job!

The Espace is certainly a lot bigger, having 7 proper seats plus boot space (although not a lot when all 7 seats are in use)

What are they offering in the way of large slaoons or hatchbacks?

Espace for definite. Get them to take the back seats out and there'll more than enough room. Zafira will be OK with 4 but cramped with 5.

Either an Espace or go for a VW Transporter Minibus, These are only a bit bigger than the Espace but are far more comfortable for 5 or more.

PS. There are two Espaces, Normal and Grande.

The Grande is aimed at people who need all 7 seats and still room for suicases in the back,

Well be going from the airport to the track, with the possible ice run Friday afternoon.  It's then from the track back to the airport.  No sightseeing or unnecessary driving to speak of.  As much as I like having some room to stretch out, I'd rather have $300/5.  ;D

We priced a transporter and it was around the same as the Espace.  This rental is through Hertz, the transporter was through Avis.

chop


try

carhire3000.com 

They are usually cheaper than most.

ALso the Zafira will be fine. We had 5 in one last year, plus kit and it had no problems

More than enough space for 5 people and five bags.

Chop,
The Espace is similar in size to the Chrysler Voyager / Dodge Caravan, with the added space and comfort.
The Zafira is a glorified compact / mid size hatchback with a taller body and hide away 6th / 7th seats.

Great info and advice, all.

Thanks!

The Zafira has really annoying adverts... dont encourage this product.

 >:(

Hi Try this site normally pretty reasonable


http://carhire.airline-network.co.uk/carhire/


Martini...

I run a 1990 Espace and when we visit Le Sarthe ,we can get 5 people and all the camping equipment.....but no space for liquid refreshment ,until we reach the Carrfour on the way in to the campsite.

I hared a Safira a few months ago and it is deffo not an MPV it is just an oversised van and not very practical fot a full passenger load and luggage whereas the Espace has copious amount of luggage space especially if you go for the Grand version.

Wishy

Don't bother with the Zafira, it's no bigger than a mid size hatchback. Granted, it does have more headroom than a the Honda Civic, which will be very useful if you're all planning on wearing extra-tall top hats for the journey down. Other than that, the extra height was cunningly designed into the vehicle as a total waste of space and time. I'm guessing you won't be doing the top hat thing, and I'm guessing too that you are not dwarves either. So go for the Espace. It's more $ ok, but I reckon it's defo worth the extra. You may well be stuck in traffic in Paris, Rouen or LM itself for many an hour and a Z-car ain't the place to be for ten hours.

The Transporter isn't really a car, not in the true sense. It's based on a very sturdy VW commercial vehicle platform and has all the driving dynamics of a Ford Econoline panel van. Whilst worthy for hauling light freight, it makes for a very uninspiring passenger drive. If that's your bag, then fine. But so far as I can see, the Espace is the way to go. Big, comfey, quirky and surprisingly nimble it's the absolute epitome of what I think a French saloon car should be. Enjoy!

We have a Zafira as our family car and agree it would be cramped for 5 adults + bags.

Maybe with on 4 adults + bags you would be ok if the 5 is certain then opt for the bigger car.

The Espace or maybe a Ford Galaxy/Seat Alhumbria (?)/VW Sharan (all the same car) would be alot more comfortable and will allow more space for luggage.

I use a Seat Alhambra with 4/5 adults plus loads of space (fridge, 3 tents, clothes, all the camping kit for a week)

T

Chop, it might be worth checking these guys out http://www.recar.org/modules.asp?target=reserve_car_step_one

Hi Chop,
             Try these guys.
http://www.rentacar-europe.com/
Just fill in the form and an aotumatic quoote comes back. not an order until you go the next step. I was very happy with their service.
Canada Phil

Well, I've checked the provided links plus some others.

The best I've found so far seems to be Sixt.  Anyone have any experience with them, good, bad or otherwise?

Rate:
USA TO FRANCE - Weekly
 
Pick Up: Paris Charles de Gaulle - 15.6.2006 / 10:00
Return: Paris Charles de Gaulle - 19.6.2006 / 12:00
Minivans / MPVs 
US$ 256.18*  Renault Megane Scenic 
US$ 359.74*  Renault Espace 
 
(This doesn't include an approximate $35 in additional charges.)

THIS IS NOW FOR 4 PEOPLE.
 

The scenic is again a car that is just a bit bigger, You can probably get away with the Scenic but the Espace would be luxury comfort and save on beer runs to and from the supermarket.

If it were me the extra $25 each is nothing in comparism to the comfort inside.

Chop, Sixt is a large European car hire firm (used to be known as Kennings in the UK).  I would imagine they are just like all the others, a newish car fleet and competitive prices.

I'd hang the expense and go with the Espace.
The Megane Scenic is another of those mid-sized car platforms thats been raised to form a kind of cheating MPV.  The seat space is adequate but you loose on luggage capacity.

Excellent!  You guys are the best.  I think I'll go ahead and book the Espace.

[Justification]Well, it is Le Mans, right?[/Justification]

I told Wifey it's a once in a limetime trip but I think I'll attempt to run that up.  Magny-Cours was supposed to be, too.   ;D

Good call, and don't forget the top hats.  ;)

Hi Chop,
             Tell Wifey it is a once a year for lifetime trip ;D
Canada Phil

Right on Can Phil


This'll be my 17th once in a lifetime trip...

I suspected I'm addicted..