Redspot offers 24/7 roadside assistance with all our hires. Want even more peace of mind? With Premium Roadside Assistance, we can help you when a flat tyre or empty battery keeps you off the road.
Your Guide to Small Car Hire
If you’re looking for road performance without the bulk, small car hire might be your speed! From day trips and city exploring to business trips and local errands, small cars are a great choice for a wide range of adventures.
Learn about small car specs, economy vs compact styles and more in our handy guide below.
What is considered a small car hire?
For the ideal balance between size, performance and affordability, you can’t go past a small car for your next spin around town.
Also known as compacts, these small cars sit between subcompact and mid-size vehicles. They offer more space and power than subcompacts, but are easier to manoeuvre and are more fuel-efficient than mid-size cars.
Compacts come in two-door, four-door, sedan, hatchback or sports coupe models that typically:
- Seat up to 4 adults comfortably (5 in a squeeze!)
- Range from 161 to 187 inches
- Hold a combined passenger and cargo volume of 100 to 109 cubic feet
- Maximises interior space with foldable seats, under-floor storage compartments, cup holders and cubbies.
Think models like the Volkswagen Polo, MG MG3 Core and more, all featured in Redspot’s small and compact car range.
Consider hiring a small car if you’re looking for:
- Solo or small group travel: Ideal for four or fewer adult passengers (five max.)
- Good cargo space: Typically holds about three mid-size luggage pieces (or 2 small, 1 large), depending on model
- Budget-friendly: Often involves lower rental car fees while saving fuel costs
- Manoeuvrability: Great for tight parking and navigating city streets
- Fuel efficiency: Translates into lower fuel costs and reduced carbon footprint
- Easy to drive: Perfect for first-time or less confident drivers
- Versatility: Ideal for weekend getaways, city breaks, business trips and local errands around town
Should I book economy or compact car hire?
Size and space are the key differences between economy and compacts, although both sit on the smaller side of the car hire spectrum.
Looking to save on fuel and rental costs? Both options are fuel-efficient and cost-effective, but compact cars (aka small cars) offer slightly more space for passengers and cargo. This makes compacts more suitable for families, larger groups of 3 to 5 passengers, or anyone travelling with more luggage.
On the other hand, economy cars tend to suit solo travel, couples with minimal luggage or young families on a budget.
Long-term or short-term small car hire
Rent your trusty Redspot ride for days, weeks or months! The choice is yours with our flexible rental periods – designed to work with your schedule, not the other way around.
Contact your local Redspot team at 1300 668 810 to discuss your options. Whether you need a small car for one day or a long-term trip, we have your back (and your boot) covered.
Commercial small car hire
Whether you’re revving up for meetings or running errands around town, Redspot combines local car hire expertise with business-class service to keep you in the driver’s seat.
Booking travel for you and your team has never been easier, thanks to our all-in-one business car hire program. Cut down paperwork, streamline operations and get driving today!
Load up with Redspot’s red-hot value packages!
We’ve got your back with 24/7 roadside assistance so you never have to worry about being stranded. For an even smoother car rental experience, we have designed two packages for damage and liability coverage and extra services!
Package prices will be calculated based on the rental period and the vehicle you select. Proceed to the car rental booking page for a quote.
All-Inclusive Package
This iconic Redspot package stands strong as the first all-inclusive car rental product in Australia! Designed with peace-of-mind built-in, our good value car rental package includes:
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- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- Reduced standard liability excess*
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- Additional windshield and headlight cover
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Free additional drivers
- Contract fee**
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Standard Package
Need something a little more simple but with all the expert local support? Redspot’s Standard Package might be for you. This includes:
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- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- Standard damage liability excess*
- GST-inclusive
- Contract fee**
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Terminology Key:
Let us break down our package terms so you know exactly what may appear on your invoice:
*Damage liability excess: Amount reduced by is dependent on the vehicle type and hire itinerary selected.
**Contract fee: We have a small surcharge to cover our costs to draw up our rental agreement with you.
***Premium location fee: Sometimes a premium airport or downtown location will charge us an additional surcharge for each rental and we are upfront about this cost in your package! The price will depend on the location selected.
****Registration recovery fee: We pay a surcharge to cover our vehicle registration and compulsory third-party insurance costs and we highlight this clearly in your package breakdown.
At Redspot, we believe in straight-up honesty! Just so you’re in the loop, all the nitty-gritty on damage liability and extra charges can be found in our terms and conditions.
Redspot: Where every rental is spot-on
Fully Aussie-owned and operated
Founded, owned and operated by local Aussie family for over 35 years!
Personalised care
Our small, dedicated teams in over 45 spots around Australia are here to help out wherever the road takes you.
Amazing value
Get the most bang for your buck with our all-inclusive packages and customisable options in between.
No hidden costs
All taxes and GST with no extra fees are included in our rates.
24/7 roadside assistance
All our rental cars are covered by 24-hour mechanical breakdown assistance.
Where to go with a Redspot Small Car Hire
We’re easy to spot across Australia – from coast to coast and every major city in between. Find your nearest Redspot rental branch from over 45 locations nationwide and jumpstart your travel plans today!
Small Car Hire Sydney
Pick up a small car from one of Redspot’s 5 Sydney car hire branches and zip around Australia’s most famous city streets in no time!
From our humble beginnings right here in Sydney in 1989, our local experts have been helping customers rev up for unforgettable rides through our beautiful city ever since.
Small Car Hire Melbourne
Get your urban adventures started with small car hire from Melbourne CBD, perfect for weaving through those famous laneways and finding parking like a pro. Alternatively, scoop your ride from our Melbourne Airport branch to hit the ground driving!
Gear up and hit the road for the trip of a lifetime through Victoria and beyond.
Small Car Hire Brisbane
Unlock the beauty of Queensland with a hassle-free small car hire from Brisbane. With two convenient locations in Brisbane Airport and a car rental branch in Brisbane City, you can steer through adventure with ease.
Redspot has provided Australia with quality car hire services since 1989. Our local, helpful staff are ready to help you find the right small car for needs.
What to know before you book a small car hire
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, there are plenty of things to consider when renting a small, compact car. Here are some quick rental tips to get you rolling:
- Bring a valid driver’s licence and credit card to book your next small car hire – All rental vehicles require a valid credit or debit card at pick-up for pre-authorisation. Planning on an additional driver/s? Bring their valid driver’s licences along to share driving duties.
- Minimum age and maximum age for small car hire – For young drivers over 21 years old and hold a Provisional P2 Licence, you can hire a small car with Redspot. No maximum age for Redspot rental vehicles either, so you can roam freely.
- Know your size – Understand the dimensions of your car, especially its turning radius, as this can be smaller if you’re used to driving larger vehicles. If you’re a little unsure, ask our friendly team for any tips or tricks that’ll help you steer through with confidence.
- Watch out for blind spots – Be extra vigilant about checking for blind spots due to the smaller size of your compact car. Heavier vehicles may have a harder time spotting you!
Questions? Chat with our friendly Redspot team for all your small car hire enquiries today.
Small and Compact Car Hire FAQs
What is considered a compact car rental?
A compact car has four doors and seats up to four adults comfortably, with good fuel efficiency thanks to its smaller frame. Compact cars generally offer more space than an economy car, accommodating roughly one large suitcase plus several pieces of soft luggage.
Also referred to as ‘small cars’, the Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Corolla are good examples of compact vehicles.
Is a SUV a compact car?
No, SUVs are not compact cars. However, there is a specific ‘Compact SUV’ vehicle category that offers a great middle ground between the original, large-sized SUVs and smaller vehicles.
Compact SUVs still feature high ground clearance and perform well in rugged terrain, but with slightly smaller dimensions. These models are ideal for families and city driving, as compact SUVs can tackle both rougher terrain and maneuver more easily through narrow streets and tight parking spaces.
Is a Toyota Camry considered a compact car?
No, the Toyota Camry is considered a mid-size sedan. It is larger than the Toyota Corolla, which is considered a compact car.
Is a hatchback a compact car?
Yes, hatchbacks are referred to as small or compact cars. A hatchback typically features a smaller, lighter vehicle body that sits close to the ground, with a 5-door hatchback model. It is well-loved for its compact styling, simple driving reputation and versatility.
