Practical guide to choosing the car that best suits your needs from the Cafisa Rent a Car fleet

Choosing the right car can make the difference between a comfortable holiday and a few days full of inconvenience. In destinations like Marbella and the Costa del Sol, where you’ll encounter varied traffic conditions, narrow streets in historic centres, tight parking areas, hillside residential zones and frequent trips between beaches, towns and shopping areas, it is important to understand what each vehicle category offers. Below you will find an analysis of all the models available at Cafisa Rent a Car and the type of traveller for whom each one is best suited.

Fiat Panda (manual)

For many visitors, the Fiat Panda is the perfect balance between compact dimensions and everyday practicality. It’s ideal for those who plan to drive mostly within towns: Marbella, San Pedro, Elviria, Puerto Banús or even Málaga city if they decide to make a day trip. It is extremely easy to park in high-occupancy areas, very fuel-efficient and perfect for young couples, solo travellers or anyone prioritising economy and basic comfort.
If your plan involves short journeys, urban beaches or accommodation in areas with limited parking, this is the most practical and efficient option.

Citroën C3 (manual)

The manual-transmission C3 remains compact but offers greater comfort for medium-length journeys. Its suspension performs particularly well on Costa del Sol roads with their changes in gradient and intermittent traffic. It’s ideal for tourists who want a slightly more refined small car than the Panda, perfect for couples exploring the coastline as far as Estepona or Nerja, small families or travellers visiting towns like Mijas, Ojén or Benahavís.
Good front space, moderate fuel consumption and excellent manoeuvrability.

Citroën C3 Automatic

The automatic version of the C3 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a stress-free drive in heavy traffic, busy roundabouts or hilly roads. Marbella, especially in high season, can be congested, and an automatic gearbox greatly reduces fatigue.
It’s highly recommended for travellers not used to manual transmission, families with children seeking a smoother ride or senior tourists who prefer to avoid unnecessary effort. Fuel consumption remains low, making it a good choice for longer trips along the A-7 or AP-7.

Peugeot 2008 (manual)

The Peugeot 2008 is a compact SUV suited to travellers who want something slightly larger and higher-riding without going all the way to a full-size SUV. It offers improved visibility, a more generous boot and stable motorway handling.
It’s the ideal choice for small families, couples with bulky luggage or tourists heading to Ronda, Caminito del Rey or inland routes where a higher driving position is appreciated. Despite its size, fuel consumption remains reasonable.

Peugeot 2008 Automatic

This model combines the interior space of the 2008 with the ease of an automatic gearbox, making it one of the most balanced options in the fleet. It is perfect for travellers who will be covering many kilometres between residential areas, shopping centres, beaches and coastal towns.
Groups, families with children or anyone looking for a comfortable SUV for long days on the road will appreciate this model. It is one of the most highly recommended options for those planning to explore the entire Costa del Sol without complications.

Peugeot 308 SW (manual)

The 308 SW is a spacious estate car, ideal for longer stays or travellers carrying a significant amount of luggage. Its boot is notably larger than that of a compact SUV, allowing you to transport large suitcases, sports equipment, children’s gear or even bulky shopping if staying in a holiday apartment.
It’s a perfect choice for families of four or five, travellers carrying foldable bikes or those combining work and leisure. On motorways it is stable and efficient—ideal for daily trips between different coastal towns.

Peugeot 3008 Automatic

The 3008 is a more premium SUV designed for travellers seeking comfort, quiet motorway driving and a spacious interior. On the Costa del Sol, it is especially suitable for groups wanting to travel comfortably, demanding families or tourists who simply want a large, safe and pleasant car.
The automatic transmission, combined with its refined suspension, makes it an excellent choice for long trips, visits to mountain villages and night-time drives on winding roads. It offers a solid, upmarket driving experience.

Citroën Berlingo (manual)

Thanks to its generous interior space and modular design, the Berlingo is ideal for small groups, families with lots of luggage, travellers with surfboards or those needing to carry pushchairs and large items.
It’s not aimed at design-focused drivers but at those who value pure practicality: sliding doors, high roofline and easy access. It’s one of the most comfortable options for family outings to beaches outside town centres or coastal trips with sports equipment.

Peugeot 5008 (5+2) (manual)

The 5+2 version of the Peugeot 5008 offers up to seven seats, although the two rear ones are best for children or short journeys. It is the preferred option for large families or groups travelling with grandparents and children who need maximum versatility.
In Marbella, where many families rent villas or large apartments, this is one of the vehicles that fits best for multi-day stays. With five seats in use, the boot is very spacious—ideal for large luggage.

Peugeot 5008 Automatic

The automatic version further enhances comfort, especially when driving in heavy traffic or on steep hill roads such as those in Nueva Andalucía, Sierra Blanca or the upper areas of Mijas.
It is ideal for groups seeking long-term comfort and for families wanting a spacious, smooth and capable vehicle for motorway driving. It’s one of the most complete cars in the fleet.

8 Pax Automatic (8-seater vehicle)

This is the ultimate option for large groups: big families, groups of friends or travellers gathering for special occasions such as weddings, sporting events or shared holidays.
Beyond its eight seats, it stands out for its cargo capacity and the convenience of avoiding the need to rent two separate cars. It is ideal for long coastal routes and excursions to Málaga, Cádiz or Granada, and for moving around residential areas without coordinating multiple vehicles.
The automatic gearbox makes handling much easier for drivers not used to larger vehicles.

Choose now with full knowledge of our rates and availability

There is no “best car overall”—only the car that best suits your holiday. The Fiat 500 offers charm and manoeuvrability for city driving, the Panda adds versatility for those combining beach and nature, the Tipo is the sensible choice for families or anyone needing boot space, and the Citroën C3 automatic is the stress-free option for practical driving. Each of our vehicles offers something that can make it the right one for your trip.
Sit down, look at your itinerary and choose the model that will maximise your enjoyment, because Marbella and the Costa del Sol are best experienced when the car adapts to your plan—not the other way around.

Check our fleet and book early to ensure your preferred model is available for your travel dates.