This came out while I was travelling again.
It's a summary of our summer '25 Portugal vacation centered on driving and parking along a popular itinerary. It's in French of course,
https://www.autohebdo.net/editorial/aventure/conduire-en-angleterre-guide-du-voyageur/ (https://www.autohebdo.net/editorial/aventure/conduire-en-angleterre-guide-du-voyageur/)
(https://cms-assets.autoscout24.com/uaddx06iwzdz/57EMBi7OV7YutIrkP7zWHd/74fdaf57db54344a84c9a48f486719f7/What_to_Know_Before_Driving_in_Portugal_-_NF_-_DB_-_260312_-_1.jpg?fm=webp&w=1100)
I had booked a "VW Passat or equivalent, manual", hoping to get that very popular, only sold as a wagon in Portugal car for the trip, blending luggage space, wide bench and a low roof for parking under the vacation rentals.
I was of course upgraded to a Volvo XC 40 mild hybrid. The three girls fit in the back thanks to the square sides, and the luggage just fit under the cargo cover. The mess below is 5 carry-ons, 5 "personal items" and random shoes and groceries.
(https://cms-assets.autoscout24.com/uaddx06iwzdz/4Bj5nZ8FUIO0YwTf99fgwa/6da66567d9a277c0411f114898fc0e5a/What_to_Know_Before_Driving_in_Portugal_-_NF_-_DB_-_260312_-_5.jpg?fm=webp&w=1100)
One bonus with the Volvo is the Google integration. Live maps without having to use your phone, no wires dangling. Our rental was an upper trim, but we were glad for the cloth seats and absence of glass roof in this heat!
(https://cms-assets.autoscout24.com/uaddx06iwzdz/3S6aj1eF7WCDj0rtkJfbU3/55c24755d90b807e4552406b870f5019/What_to_Know_Before_Driving_in_Portugal_-_NF_-_DB_-_260312_-_6.jpg?fm=webp&w=1100)