The Costa del Sol, one of the most visited tourist destinations in Spain, attracts millions of visitors every year in search of sun, beaches, culture, and gastronomy. From Marbella and Málaga to Nerja and Estepona, many tourists choose to rent a car to explore the region with freedom. But what types of cars are most in demand in this area, and what motivates that choice? Based on our experience at Cafisa Rent a Car, we analyze the most popular models and the reasons behind their success among car renters on the Costa del Sol.
1. Fiat 500: the urban icon
The Fiat 500 is a modern classic that tops the list of most rented cars in tourist areas like the Costa del Sol. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for navigating historic centers, parking easily on narrow streets, and avoiding traffic in cities like Málaga or Marbella.
Additionally, its attractive design and low fuel consumption make it perfect for couples or solo travelers looking for a practical, economical, and stylish vehicle. At Cafisa Rent a Car, we offer it because it suits short getaways, city breaks, or stays in tourist apartments very well.
2. Fiat Panda: practical and economical
Another highly demanded model is the Fiat Panda. Its reliability, low maintenance cost, and fuel efficiency make it a favorite among small families and travelers who prioritize economy over design.
The Fiat Panda offers a bit more space than the Fiat 500 while maintaining maneuverability and efficiency, making it ideal for both urban and intercity travel. It’s a common choice among tourists arriving at Málaga Airport who plan to explore several coastal towns.
3. Citroën C3: comfort and versatility
The Citroën C3 is also among the most rented cars. This B-segment model combines modern design with comfortable driving, especially useful for those planning to spend several hours on the road or visit more remote places like Ronda or the white villages inland.
With five real seats, a decent boot, and good sound insulation, it’s one of the best options for those seeking a balance between comfort and compact size. Many European tourists choose it for its familiarity and automatic version, increasingly in demand among drivers not used to manual gearboxes.
4. Fiat Tipo: space at a good price
The Fiat Tipo has gained ground in rental fleets for offering one of the best combinations of space, equipment, and price. It’s available in both sedan and estate versions, making it ideal for those travelling with more luggage or needing a slightly larger car without the cost of an SUV.
Its spacious interior, generous boot, and road performance make it perfect for families, couples planning to tour the region for several days, or even business travellers. Moreover, its modern and understated design is appreciated by users looking for something practical yet contemporary.
5. Opel Corsa: reliability and low consumption
Another regular in rental fleets is the Opel Corsa. This German compact has proven to be reliable, easy to drive, and very fuel-efficient. Its simple design and good equipment make it a solid choice for small families or couples making daily trips during their holidays.
The Corsa also stands out for its good performance on the road, making it suitable for longer journeys such as the Costa del Sol to Granada or Seville route. It’s a very balanced choice for those who want more than just a “city” car.
6. Peugeot 2008 and 5008: SUVs for families or more space
In the SUV segment, the Peugeot 2008 and 5008 have gained significant presence in rental companies. The Peugeot 2008, compact yet with a high driving position and modern design, is ideal for those seeking more comfort and visibility without giving up agility in the city.
The Peugeot 5008, with up to seven seats, is perfect for large families or groups travelling together. Its spacious interior, versatile boot, and equipment make it one of the most requested models for long holidays or trips with children.
Both models allow for comfortable travel along the coast and into the Málaga province’s interior, and are especially appreciated on long journeys for their comfort and safety.
7. Automatic vehicles: a growing demand
Although manual transmission cars have traditionally been the majority in Spain, the demand for automatic cars has grown significantly, especially among tourists from the UK, USA, and Nordic countries, where automatic transmission is the norm.
Models like the Citroën C3, Peugeot 5008, or Peugeot 308 SW in their automatic versions are increasingly requested, prompting rental companies to expand their fleets accordingly.
Why are these models rented more often?
The reasons behind the popularity of these cars on the Costa del Sol can be summarised in the following factors:
1. Compact or medium size
Narrow streets, heavy traffic, and scarce parking in tourist cities make small and medium-sized cars a very practical choice. The smaller the size, the easier it is to move around urban centers like Málaga, Marbella, or Benalmádena.
2. Fuel efficiency
Many tourists cover moderate distances during their holidays. Choosing a car with low consumption means saving on fuel, especially on coastal routes or excursions to inland villages.
3. Ease of driving
Easy-to-drive models with good visibility and maneuverability are preferred by tourists unfamiliar with the area or who rarely drive in their home country.
4. Rental cost
Price competitiveness remains one of the key factors. Affordable models allow enjoying the freedom of a rental car without upsetting the holiday budget.
5. Reliability and availability
At Cafisa Rent a Car, we prioritise reliable models with good spare parts availability. This facilitates replacements and reduces vehicle downtime.
In short, the ideal car for exploring the Costa del Sol is one that suits the type of trip, number of passengers, and planned routes. The offer is varied, but the most rented models have something in common: they combine efficiency, practicality, and reasonable cost. Thanks to them, many tourists enjoy a more complete and comfortable experience exploring this privileged region in southern Spain.
Alquiler de coches en Marbella, aeropuerto de Málaga, La línea de la Concepción (Gibraltar)…
