Compact, Economy and Standard Car Rentals New Zealand
Our standard car fleet includes compact cars, hatchback and sedans, perfect for exploring both the city streets and rural roads in New Zealand. With lower fuel efficiency ratings and easy driving and parking, a compact car rental could be ideal for a corporate meeting, couples getaway or small family trip.
You could steer into fuel savings, unlimited kms and 24/7 roadside assistance when you choose to hire an economy car rental with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Compact and efficient without compromising on the journey.
Economy and Compact Car Rentals in New Zealand
Our versatile standard car fleet is well-maintained with 5-star ANZCAP safety ratings and lower fuel efficiency ratings. Whether you're flying into the vibrant Auckland City or zipping off on a stunning South Island adventure from Christchurch, our economy car rentals offer the perfect driving experience. From compact cars ideal for squeezing into tight city parking spaces to intermediate sedans and full-size hatchbacks for your full crew. Compact and efficient without compromising on the journey.
Hire a Toyota Corolla (or similar) if you're looking for a hassle-free, fuel-efficient city driving experience. With a more compact size, you can be confident on the busy city roads and in finding those hidden gem parking spots. Our hatch car rental is compact without losing luggage space so you can still fit in your airport luggage. The ideal choice for solo travellers or couples.
- Automatic
- 5 People
- 2 Bags
Vehicle Features
- AM/FM Stereo Radio
- Air Bags
- Keyless entry
- Gasoline Vehicle
- Air Conditioning
- 5 Door
- Bluetooth
- 5 Seat Belts
A Suzuki Swift Hybrid (or similar) is the ultimate fuel-saving car rental. As a mild-hybrid, the car is self-charging, so you don't ever need to plug in, just fill up as normal and charge the battery as you drive! With a lower fuel efficiency score than a full petrol engine, the economy hybrid is an affordable luxury for any New Zealand adventure.
- Automatic
- 5 People
- 1 Bags
Vehicle Features
- AM/FM Stereo Radio
- Air Bags
- Hybrid Vehicle
- Air Conditioning
- 5 Door
The subcompact hatch (Toyota Yaris or similar) is an efficient car hire for the city streets or rural day trips. Easily accommodating 2 adults and 2 children, and space for 2 bags in the boot, it's an ideal choice for couples or small families. A smaller car gives you the freedom to explore cities to your hearts content.
- Automatic
- 5 People
- 2 Bags
Vehicle Features
- AM/FM Stereo Radio
- Air Bags
- Gasoline Vehicle
- Air Conditioning
- 5 Door
For a little extra space without committing to a large SUV, a sedan may be the perfect compromise. Our Toyota Camry (or similar) offers a spacious boot for 4 bags and roomy seats for 4 adults or a family. If you are itching to hit the Kiwi roads and complete a longer classic road trip, a sedan may be the smoothest vehicle to get you from A to B.
- Automatic
- 5 People
- 4 Bags
Vehicle Features
- AM/FM Stereo Radio
- Air Bags
- Cruise Control
- Gasoline Vehicle
- Air Conditioning
- 5 Door
- Bluetooth
- Electric
- Automatic
- 5 People
- 3 Bags
Vehicle Features
- AM/FM Stereo Radio
- Air Bags
- Electric Vehicle
- Air Conditioning
- 4 Door
Blending the convenience of a nimble compact car with the space of a full-size sedan, the Toyota Corolla (or similar) is the best of both worlds. Slide into roomy internal seats, big enough for 4 adults or a family, and still have space for 3 bags in the boot! With the smooth ability to go from bustling city streets to winding rural roads, it's an ideal choice for anyone basing themselves in the city and hitting up some road trips.
- Automatic
- 5 People
- 3 Bags
Vehicle Features
- AM/FM Stereo Radio
- Air Bags
- Gasoline Vehicle
- Air Conditioning
- 4 Door
What are the rules for renting a car in New Zealand with Enterprise?
To rent a car in New Zealand with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, we have the following requirements:
- Be a minimum of 21 years of age.
- Provide a full, valid driver’s licence that you have held for a minimum of 12 months. Overseas or international driver’s licence must be in English or be supplied with an official NZTA approved English translation.
- A valid credit or debit card in the hirers name must be presented at pick up. Cash is not accepted for any payments or bond.
Why steer into a compact car in New Zealand?
Compact in space but huge in driving experience. Zip through city streets, find easy parking and have a stress-free drive with compact and economy car rentals.
Fuel efficient
You could save on your car hire and use the money for even more NZ adventures when you choose a smaller car.
Compact cars tend to have a lower fuel efficiency rating than larger cars. This is because it generally takes less fuel to drive 100km than it would for a larger car like a 4WD or SUV. What does this mean for you? Less time filling up with petrol and more time enjoying the journey.
Small cars may also have a lower day rate, allowing you to accelerate your car rental booking with even more savings! Put the money you save towards an award-winning New Zealand Chardonnay at the end of a day's drive, you won't regret it.
Practable yet fun
A smaller hatchback or sedan can give you the flexibility between city driving or day trips. A large 4WD may be great for a national park, but harder to navigate in the city. Rolling into an economy car is the best of both worlds.
Base yourself in a city for vibrant nightlife, culture and food but give yourself the freemon to explore the magnificent Kiwi countryside. How's that for a balanced holiday?
Nimble on the roads
New Zealand has varying terrain between narrow city streets and winding rural roads and standard car rentals are versatile enough to handle both. The smaller cars are easy to control and offer a smooth driving experience, making them easy to take to most regions in New Zealand.
Did we mention the superpower of fitting into tight parking spaces too? Perfect for a relaxing getaway or corporate trip!
Hire an Enterprise Rent-A-Car for business
A compact car or premium sedan combine both the portability and professional sleek style you need for a business meeting. Whether you are flying in on business or need a local flexible business fleet package, we can handle your car hire so you can focus on your business.
As one of the world's largest car rental companies, we know what it takes to make it in business. That's why our Business Car Rental program is designed for time saving convenience at every step. Accelerate your benefits:
- Great savings on business rates
- Dedicated Account Manager
- No membership fees
- No extra driver fees
- No cancellation fees
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance
- Customised billing
- Corporate credit card acceptance
- Flexibility to change your rental period, subject to availability
- Access to rental locations across the world for International travel
Whatever your business needs, hiring a standard car rental from Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a decision you won’t regret.
Best places to hire a compact car in New Zealand
We have 9 locations around the North and South Islands that are perfect for nimble, compact driving. However, we have a few locations that are ideal for smaller car rentals.
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Compact hire Auckland
With an Auckland City and Auckland Airport branch, you have the luxury of choice when picking up a compact, intermediate or economy car hire. Auckland City is the largest city, with many locals and tourists flocking to the area all year round. Although it is relatively easy to drive around, the flexibility of a premium yet smaller car allows you to hit the ground running.
As the gateway for exploring the North Island, we find many people love to plan day trips from Auckland. You get to experience the Kiwi stunning landscapes whilst not compromising on the city nightlife. Win win!
There's no better way to explore the iconic black sand beaches before heading back to a vibrant city, than in a compact car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Book your vehicle today and start planning an epic getaway.
Small car hire Waiheke
At just a 45-minute ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is the most ideal place for a compact car rental. With many stunning secluded beaches to explore, vineyards to admire and adventures to experience, a smaller car hire gives you the ability to discover hidden gems without compromise.
Our Waiheke branch is located inside the ferry terminal, so you can step off the boat and into the driver's seat faster than you can say "Kia Ora!". With 24/7 after-hours drop-offs and unlimited kms, you can enjoy a Waiheke day trip without limits.
Economy hire Nelson
Nelson is a charming but often underrated city which is why we think it's the perfect base for a weekend escape or family holiday. As the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park and the Golden Bay and Te Waikoropupū Springs, the urge to zip through the city streets and accelerate to country adventure is real!
But, it's not all about escaping Nelson either! As a cultural and vibrant arts hub, this historical city is full of galleries, restaurants, architecture and parks. A compact car hire gives you the freedom to take it slow in the quaint centre or put your pedal to the metal on the rural roads (within the speed limit!).
Our Nelson Airport location is open 8am-5pm, 7 days a week so you can pick up a compact car hire that works for you.
Enterprise Standard of Care
- Complete Clean Pledge® so you can travel with confidence.
- Low Touch Transactions for a seamless booking and collection process.
- Exceptional Customer Service that provides the solutions you need.
- Vehicle Maintenance and Safety for your peace of mind.
- Visual Inspection of Every Vehicle to maintain our high standards.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Maximise Convenience with a Compact Hire in New Zealand
Fuel savings, versatility and easy driving? We're here for it with our compact and standard car rentals!
Whether you're planning a solo day trip, a couples retreat or some family road trips, one of our economy car rentals could be the perfect vehicle to turn your trip from a simple drive to a relaxing journey.
With 24/7 roadside assistance, unlimited kms and additional drivers for only $5 per day, your driving experience with Enterprise Rent-A-Car is anything but compact.
Standard Car Rentals FAQs
What does compact mean when renting a car?
A compact car in the rental industry refers to smaller vehicles that are easier to drive or park and have a lower fuel efficiency. They typically will have 5 doors and can seat 4 or 5 people. They could include a hatchback or sedan.
Are SUVs considered compact cars?
No, SUVs are not considered "compact cars" when renting. However, the term "compact SUV" can be used to describe a smaller SUV vehicle, but this still sits within the SUV vehicle class.
SUV stands for Sports Utility Vehicle, and they are a sub-category of trucks, offering a passenger-focused cargo area, a higher ground clearance and versatility for many terrains.
Check out our SUV car rentals.
Can I rent a car with a debit card?
We accept all major debit cards except for Maestro, Electron, Solo and pre-paid cards. To rent our 4x4s and premium vehicles, we require a credit card. All cards must have the main driver's name on it.
How much does it cost to rent a car?
Our prices may vary because car rental prices are based on various factors such as, vehicle size, seasonality, length of rental, vehicle make, availability and location. Customers are advised to start the booking process to determine the exact price.
Can I modify, extend, or cancel my reservation?
You can modify or cancel your reservation via our website. If you prepaid your booking and you cancel 3 days or more before your specified pick-up time you will receive a full refund of the total amount. You can also call your rental branch to extend your reservation.
Can I add an additional driver to my car hire?
Yes, we can easily add an additional driver to your rental agreement for $5 per day per driver (capped at 6 days). The additional drivers must:
- Be 21 years of age or older.
- Present a full, valid driver’s licence in person at the rental counter. The licence must have been held for a minimum of 12 months. Any overseas or international drivers licences must be in English or have a NZTA approved English translation.
Do I need insurance to rent a car in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, you do need insurance to hire a car but you don’t need to organise it yourself. It’s compulsory for rental companies to provide insurance as part of their rental package. With an Enterprise Rent-a-Car, all vehicles come with standard cover for collision damage so you are covered. The excess liability for this coverage depends on the vehicle (between $2,875 and $3,450 NZD) and you can reduce your excess for a fee per day.