Renting an Automatic Car at Manchester Airport (MAN)
While manual transmissions remain incredibly popular across the UK, securing an automatic car hire at Manchester Airport is essential for many international travellers, particularly those arriving from North America. Driving in the UK already presents the challenge of navigating on the left-hand side of the road; eliminating the need to shift gears manually can significantly reduce stress and ensure a much safer, more relaxing journey.
Automatic vehicles are also highly sought after for navigating stop-start traffic in busy city centres like Manchester or Liverpool, or for effortless cruising on the sprawling UK motorway network (like the M56 right outside the airport). Because of this high demand, it's crucial to understand how to specifically request an automatic vehicle when booking.
Identifying Automatic Vehicles (The ACRISS 'A')
Rental companies categorize their fleets using a four-letter code known as ACRISS. The critical detail for automatic drivers is the third letter of this code. If the third letter is an 'A', the vehicle has an automatic transmission. If it is an 'M', it is a manual (stick shift). Here are the common codes you should look for:
Compact Automatic
Example Codes: CDAR, CCAR
These are excellent all-rounders. They offer a smooth automatic transmission in a relatively small frame, making them ideal for navigating narrow British roads and tight parking spots, while still providing decent boot space for a couple of suitcases.
Typical Models: VW Golf Auto, Ford Focus Auto, Toyota Corolla Hybrid.
Standard/Full-Size Automatic
Example Codes: SDAR, FDAR
If you are travelling with family or require more luggage capacity, moving up to a Standard or Full-size automatic is highly recommended. These often feature more powerful engines for effortless motorway overtaking.
Typical Models: Skoda Octavia Auto, Vauxhall Insignia, VW Passat.
Crucial Advice for North American Drivers
If your driving licence only permits you to drive automatic vehicles (common in the US and Canada), you must not book a manual car. Rental desk agents will verify your licence type upon arrival, and they will refuse to hand over the keys to a manual car if you are not licensed to drive one. Always filter your search specifically for automatic vehicles.
Best Providers for Automatic Vehicles
While every provider at the Manchester Airport Car Rental Village stocks automatic cars, their availability varies wildly depending on the brand's primary focus.
For an extensive selection of high-quality, reliable automatic vehicles (particularly in the Standard and Full-size categories), Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a top recommendation. Their vast fleet size means they generally have strong availability for automatics, even during peak travel seasons.
If you prefer to drive an automatic and want a premium experience, Sixt car hire is unparalleled. Sixt's fleet leans heavily towards German luxury marques (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi), the vast majority of which are manufactured exclusively with advanced automatic or semi-automatic (DSG) gearboxes.
Important Considerations
- Expect a Price Premium: In the UK, automatic cars are generally more expensive to purchase and maintain than their manual counterparts. Consequently, rental providers charge a premium daily rate for automatic categories.
- Book Well in Advance: Automatics represent a smaller percentage of the total UK rental fleet. During the busy summer months (July/August), they are often the first vehicle categories to completely sell out at Manchester Airport. Secure your booking as early as possible.
- Check for Hybrids: Many of the compact automatics currently offered by providers (like the Toyota Corolla or Yaris) are self-charging hybrids. This is a massive bonus, as they drive exactly like a normal automatic but offer significantly better fuel economy.