Which car type suits your journey?
Whether you're road-tripping through California, city-hopping in Spain, or touring Italy with the family, you'll always find a rental car that suits your journey at Alamo.nl.
You always rent a category
When booking a rental car, you choose a car category, not a specific brand or model. The website may show an example car, but in practice, you’ll receive a car with similar characteristics: size, type, transmission, and features. The exact car depends on availability at the rental location.
Good to know: in some destinations, like Florida, it's possible to rent a convertible. Perfect for cruising under the sun! But remember, this is also a car category, not a guarantee of a specific model or brand.
The car categories
When booking your car, and on your invoice and voucher, you'll see a four-letter code. This is called a SIPP code—an international standard that describes the type of car you can expect.
The four letters represent:
1st letter – Size:
M = Mini · E = Economy · C = Compact · I = Intermediate · S = Standard · F = Fullsize
2nd letter – Body type:
C = 2/4-door · D = 4/5-door · V = Passenger Van · F = SUV
3rd letter – Transmission/Drive:
M = Manual · A = Automatic · N/B = 4WD or AWD
4th letter – Features:
N = No air conditioning · R = Air conditioning · H = Hybrid · E = Electric
For example: ICAR means an intermediate car, 4/5-door, with automatic transmission and air conditioning.
Differences by country and region
Not everywhere in the world will you get exactly the same rental car when you book a certain category. That’s why it helps to know what to expect at your destination, so you won’t face any surprises.
Europe: compact and agile
In Europe, rental cars are often smaller and easier to maneuver, ideal for narrow streets and tight parking spots in historic cities. Popular models include the VW Polo or Fiat 500. Most cars are manual, although you can usually reserve an automatic for an additional fee. Prefer to drive electric? There are options, though charging stations are less widely available than in the Netherlands. Cars are well maintained but may be a little older than those in North America.
North America: large and new
In the United States and Canada, the range of vehicles is bigger and the fleet is usually less than a year old, meaning you’ll often be driving a brand-new car. SUVs, pick-ups, and minivans are always automatic, perfect for long distances. Relatively low fuel prices make it attractive to choose a larger model. Keep in mind that SUVs in North America are often much larger and more powerful than in Central or South America, where vehicles are more compact and sometimes have less luggage space.
Central and South America: compact and functional
In Central and South America, cars are often smaller and more basic, even if you book an SUV. Vehicles are usually older and tend to have smaller engines. Keep this in mind if you plan to drive long distances or carry a lot of luggage. Service and standards also differ from what you might be used to in North America or Europe.
Africa: robust and safari-proof
In countries such as South Africa, Namibia, or Kenya, SUVs and 4x4s are popular, especially if you’ll be driving on unpaved roads or visiting national parks. Always check whether off-road driving is covered by your insurance, as this is not always standard. Cars may be slightly older but are usually well equipped for adventurous conditions.
Oceania: space for road trips
In Australia and New Zealand, you’ll find a wide range of compact cars, SUVs, and campers. For long road trips, a comfortable car with plenty of space is recommended. Don’t forget that traffic drives on the left, making an automatic the easier choice for many travelers. Fuel stations can be far apart, so make sure to refuel on time. The fleet may be a bit older than in North America but is generally well maintained and reliable.
Tailored advice
Want to know more about what to expect at your destination? While we can’t guarantee which models will be available when you pick up your rental car, our customer service team is happy to advise you so you can start your journey with peace of mind.