Apr 5, 2024
Embarking on a scenic out-of-town getaway or running a quick errand within the city? While SUVs might be the flashy choice, consider the unsung hero of Bolt Drive’s rental fleet, the compact car.
Compact cars are reliable riders that offer surprising amounts of space, superior handling on busy streets, and better fuel efficiency at the petrol pump. All of this, plus a rental price small enough to match the vehicle! What’s not to like?
Read on as we uncover what a compact car is, the hidden benefits of small cars, examples, and why it should be your next car rental companion.
A compact car, commonly called a small car, is a practical, fuel-efficient and affordable vehicle type much-loved amongst car buyers and renters alike.
With a diverse selection of compact car types — from sporty hatchbacks with a fun driving experience to fuel-conscious sedans that prioritise efficiency — there is a ride for every kind of driver.
The term ‘compact car’ as a vehicle class is predominantly used in the US and sits between subcompact (Honda Jazz) and mid-sized cars (Toyota Camry).
In Europe, it usually refers to ‘small family cars’. However, boundaries between different categories are blurred by factors other than the size and length of vehicles, including price, image, and the amount of extra accessories.
Thus, both small and lower medium (B and C) category passenger cars can sometimes fall into the compact car category in its current definition. In this article, we’ll apply the term compact cars to small compact vehicles measuring between 3.9 and 4.4 metres in length in their standard configuration.
The term ‘economy car’ is, again, primarily used in the US and refers to vehicles designed for low-cost purchase and operation. While economy and compact cars fall under the small car umbrella, compact cars are slightly larger.
Compact cars are typically 4-door, can comfortably seat up to 5 people without shoulders squeezing together, and have a spacious boot. However, economy cars are usually 2-door, more cosy inside, and possess a more modest boot.
The compact car is a happy medium, offering fuel efficiency and affordability without compromising space and comfort.
Small compact cars offer tremendous advantages that will make your time on the road much easier and cheaper!
Larger SUVs are now the dominant body type across Europe. However, they’re an environmental concern (SUV global CO2 emissions are nearing 1 billion tonnes) and tough to park.
With a small compact car, you’ll have many more parking options. Whether it’s a packed grocery store or busy street parking, a small slot is all you need for your compact car.
As well as simply fitting into more parking spaces, compact cars have better visibility than larger vehicles. For those who fear the dreaded parallel park, this means you can see the edges of the car more clearly and judge distances much better!
When it comes to fuel efficiency, hybrid and electric choices are the ultimate, but compact cars are a good option within petrol car models.
Naturally, a compact car’s smaller size and lighter weight contribute to reduced fuel consumption, which ultimately means you get more kilometres per litre.
For example, a 2024 Toyota Corolla’s average fuel consumption is 3.9-6 l/100 km vs. 4.7 to 7L/100km for the 2024 Toyota RAV 4 — one of the world’s most popular SUVs.
Whether it be for daily commutes or a long-distance drive, the fantastic fuel economy of small cars is kind to your wallet!
Compared to cruising highways, city driving is a different beast. With narrow streets, parking nightmares, and bumper-to-bumper traffic, driving within city limits requires a specific type of car for the challenge.
Compact cars possess many characteristics that make them well-suited to city driving. First of all, they are, well, compact! Returning to our first point, the small size of compact cars lends a hand when facing tricky parking situations.
Unlike clunkier large vehicles, compact cars are also more agile! Their light weight, small frame, and zippy handling help compact cars easily dodge unexpected obstacles and navigate busy streets.
If the urban jungle is something you face every day, a compact car can make your journey so much less stressful.
Compact cars offer a compelling combination of practicality and efficiency, making them the smart choice among Bolt Drive users. We’ve listed some of our favourite compact cars available today for every type of driver.
The Hyundai i30 is a compact car favourite, equally equipped to navigate city streets as it is for family weekend getaways.
But suppose you want an even smaller ride. In that case, the i30’s younger sibling, the Hyundai i20, is noticeably smaller (around 26cm smaller in length), which translates to reduced cargo capacity and a smaller cabin size.
The Hyundai i20 and i30 are available for rent in the Bolt app for as low as €0.15 and €0.16 per minute.*
*Check your Bolt app for the prices in your country.
This compact car gem offers an easy driving experience while offering more space than alternatives.
If space is important to you — perhaps you have a large family or regularly go on road trips and need space for all your baggage — the Scala is surprisingly accommodating for passengers and cargo.
Test drive a Skoda Scala in the Bolt app for just €0.14/minute!*
*Check your Bolt app for the prices in your country.
At the higher end of the compact car market is the Audi A3. Coming in at a higher price than the i30 and Scala, the Audi A3 packs even more into the modest compact car size.
The Audi A3 is not the smallest Audi currently in production, with the sedan version stretching to 4,542 mm in length.
The A3 offers a stellar balance of performance, comfort, and technology, with a touch of sporty specs that we’ve come to expect from Audi vehicles.
Bolt Drive users rent this compact car when they want that little extra oomph for a fraction of the cost. In Tallinn, Estonia, for example, you can rent the compact car for €0.17/minute.
The smallest car in the Audi range, the Audi A1, measuring 4,029 mm in length, is also available for rent in the Bolt app for as low as €0.14/min.*
This luxurious and sporty-looking small hatchback gives the competition a good run for their money.
*Check your Bolt app for the prices in your country.
While it might not be the most exhilarating drive, the Corolla’s reputation for dependability makes this compact car a top choice for reliability.
Drivers know that they won’t be getting a wow factor with the Corolla, but in return, they get a safe, predictable trip, no matter how far.
Eclipsing competitors in terms of fuel efficiency, safety features and affordability, the compact car is a resilient ride for those who don’t prioritise elite performance, making it ideal for daily commutes, errands, and getting around town.
Rent one for as low as €0.16 to see how reliable it is.*
*Check your Bolt app for the prices in your country.
The fourth generation of the Skoda Fabia is Skoda’s smallest and cheapest car.
As you can imagine, a package so small (just 4108 mm in length) won’t win awards for performance and excitement. But look beyond the basic interior, and you have a practical powerhouse that provides consistently smooth rides with no surprises.
Take it for a spin for just €0.15/minute!*
*Check your Bolt app for the prices in your country.
The base Volkswagen Golf offers a good balance of performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
The base model provides adequate acceleration for everyday driving, reaching 0–60 mph in about 8–9.5 seconds.
For more of a thrill, the Volkswagen Golf R, the high-performance version, is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 315 horsepower — accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds.
Bolt Drive offers base Volkswagen Golfs in almost every colour of the rainbow. Rent one in your Bolt app!*
*Check your Bolt app for the available makes and models.
The Peugeot 208 is a stylish, compact hatchback that blends sleek design with practicality. Known for its sporty demeanour and efficient performance, the 208 offers a dynamic driving experience suitable for urban environments and beyond.
The Peugeot 208 caters to diverse preferences while focusing on fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness.
With rental prices from €0.15/minute, it’s no wonder these French compact vehicles are much loved among Bolt Drive users.*
*Check your Bolt app for the prices in your country.
Bolt Drive is an affordable, safe and viable alternative to a personal car!
Based on our 2022 survey of Bolt Drive users, ⅓ of participants admitted using their car less often than before the introduction of Bolt Drive, and 21% of respondents with several vehicles in their household planned to sell at least one!
At the tap of a button on the Bolt app, Bolt riders in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Germany can locate and rent nearby cars — compact or not — for a quick errand across the city or more extended trips further afield.
Once you’ve found a Bolt Drive compact car, our smart pricing options* will give you prepaid hourly and daily packages that include fuel, parking, and insurance.
*In applicable markets
To start renting compact cars with Bolt Drive, you must create an account on the Bolt app and upload your driving licence (drivers must be over 18 years of age and have at least 6 months of driving experience).
You can unlock the vehicle with the Bolt app when you have located your ideal compact car to rent. Inside the car, you’ll find the keys and fuel card for refuelling the car at a petrol station.
When you arrive at your destination, you can park your compact car rental free of charge within operational zones. Here is where you can park your Bolt Drive for free in Estonia, for example.
Now we’ve looked at different types of compact cars, we hope you have a better overview of this topic. Otherwise, you’ll find some frequently asked questions below:
The term ‘compact car’ is used predominantly in the US as a vehicle size class. US compact cars sit between subcompact cars and mid-size cars. In Europe, both ‘small family car’ and ‘small car’ can be considered compact cars and might fall under both B and C categories.
All of these terms are used in the US car classification system based on size. Subcompact cars are the smallest. Compact cars are slightly larger, with more space for passengers and cargo. Mid-size cars are larger still, offering even more space and often more features. Examples include the Honda Jazz (subcompact), Toyota Corolla (compact), and Toyota Camry (mid-size).
In the EU, compact cars are typically classified within the C-class or Lower Medium Category. However, some vehicles from the B-class (Small cars) category might also fall under this category, since boundaries between different categories are blurred by factors other than the size and length of vehicles.
The examples of compact cars available for rent in the Bolt app include but are not limited to the Hyundai i30 and i20, Skoda Scala, Audi A1 and A3, Toyota Corolla, and Peugeot 208. The selection of makes and models depends on the market. Check your Bolt app to see available models!
