Understanding Rental Car Codes – Redspot Car Rentals

Ever noticed those four-letter codes next to rental car listings — things like ECAR, ICAR, or SCAR — and wondered what on earth they mean? You’re not alone. Most people just skip past them, but knowing these codes can save you from booking a car that’s either way too small (hello, clown car 🚗🤡) or not at all what you expected.

These codes are part of an international standard called the SIPP (or ACRISS) code, and they exist to make car rentals clear and consistent worldwide. Here’s how it all works.

Why Do Rental Car Codes Exist?

Back in the late 1980s, the world’s major rental car companies realised customers were constantly confused. Each company described cars differently, making it hard to compare vehicles. So, they created a universal system: the SIPP/ACRISS code matrix.

This system allows customers to compare apples with apples — so an ECAR booked with Redspot means the same thing as an ECAR with another rental company.

How the Car Rental Code Works

Each code is made up of four letters, with each one giving you specific details about the car:

First Letter – Vehicle Category
Defines the size/class of the car: Mini, Economy, Compact, Full-Size, Premium, Luxury, etc.
Second Letter – Vehicle Type
Describes the body style or special features: 2/4-door, Wagon, Convertible, SUV, Van, Pickup, etc.
Third Letter – Transmission & Drive
Tells you whether it’s Manual, Automatic, AWD, or 4WD.
Fourth Letter – Fuel & Air Conditioning
Covers fuel type (Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid, Electric, etc.) and whether it comes with air conditioning.

Example: What Does ECAR Mean?

Let’s break it down:

E = Economy (small, budget-friendly car)
C = 2–4 door vehicle
A = Automatic transmission
R = Unspecified fuel type, but with air conditioning

So when you book an ECAR, you’re getting an Economy, 2–4 door Automatic with air conditioning. Perfect if you want something simple, fuel-efficient, and easy to drive around town.

Handy Reference: The SIPP/ACRISS Matrix

Here’s a quick look at how the letters map out:

CATEGORY	TYPE	TRANSMISSION	FUEL/AIR COND.
M Mini	B 2-3 Door	M Manual Unspecified Drive	Unspecified Fuel/With AC
N Mini Elite	C 2-4 Door	N Manual 4WD	Unspecified Fuel/Without AC
E Economy	D 4-5 Door	C Manual AWD	D Diesel/With AC
H Economy Elite	W Wagon/Estate	A Auto Unspecified Drive	D Diesel/Without AC
C Compact	V Passenger Van	B Auto 4WD	H Hybrid/with AC
D Compact Elite	L Limousine	D Auto AWD	I Hybrid/Without AC
I Intermediate	S Sport		E Electric/With AC
J Intermediate Elite	T Convertible		C Electric/Without AC
S Standard	F SUV		LPG/With AC
R Standard Elite	J Open Air All Terrain		LPG/Without AC
F Fullsize	X Special		A Hydrogen/With AC
G Fullsize Elite	P Pickup Regular Cab		B Hydrogen/Without AC
P Premium	Q Pickup Extended Cab		M Multi Fuel/With AC
U Premium Elite	Q Special Offer Car		F Multi Fuel/Without AC
L Luxury	E Coupe		V Petrol/With AC
W Luxury Elite	M Monospace		Z Petrol/Without AC
O Oversize	R Recreational Vehicle		U Ethanol/With AC
X Special	H Motor Home		X Ethanol/Without AC
	Y 2 Wheel Vehicle
	N Roadster
	G Crossover
	K Commercial Van/Truck

Why This Matters for Your Booking

Understanding these codes helps you:

Avoid surprises – no more rocking up to collect your “sedan” and finding a tiny hatchback.
Compare fairly – same codes mean same vehicle type, no matter the rental brand.
Book smarter – pick the right car for your trip (city driving, long road trip, family holiday, etc.).

Book Your Next Car with Confidence

At Redspot Car Rentals, our fleet uses these standardised codes so you always know what you’re booking. Whether it’s an ECAR for city driving, an SCAR for a family road trip, or an FCAR for a bit more space and comfort, you’ll find the right fit with us.

👉 Book today and save – with locations inside most major Australian airport terminals and a fleet of new-model vehicles, Redspot makes car hire simple, transparent, and stress-free.