Travelling as a family or group along the Costa del Sol has one clear advantage over many other destinations: the road network is excellent, distances are manageable, and a seven-seater car turns any excursion into something comfortable and logistically simple. In Fuengirola, ideally located in the heart of the Málaga coastline, the range of family rental vehicles is wide, and among the most requested models stand out two MPVs with very different personalities: the Citroën C4 Picasso and the Volkswagen Touran. Choosing between them is not a minor decision, as each one suits a different type of traveller and usage pattern.
Size and interior space: more similar than they seem
Both vehicles share a length of around 4.50 metres and a generous height that makes entry and exit easy, something especially appreciated when travelling with small children or elderly passengers. Both offer three rows of seats and a boot that, with all seats in use, is rather limited, so it is advisable not to overpack if all seven seats are needed at the same time. With the third row folded down, however, both offer more than enough space for a family of five with medium-sized luggage.
The Citroën C4 Picasso: comfort above all
The C4 Picasso is designed with a very clear philosophy: making the journey as comfortable as possible for all occupants. Its seats are extremely soft and supportive, and Citroën’s suspension tuning absorbs road imperfections with a smoothness that few rivals in this segment can match. For long journeys, such as Fuengirola to Ronda, Granada or Cabo de Gata, this comfort becomes a real advantage.
The interior feels bright thanks to a panoramic windscreen that extends upwards, filling the cabin with natural light. The infotainment system is straightforward and, in most rental specifications, includes Bluetooth and navigation. Its design is more distinctive and rounded than its German rival, which divides opinion but contributes to a quiet and relaxed driving experience on the motorway.
Its main drawback is the third-row usability: folding and unfolding the seats is less intuitive, and access is slightly less convenient. For families who expect to use the rear seats frequently, this may become an annoyance over time.
The Volkswagen Touran: German precision and practicality
The Touran follows a different philosophy. Where the C4 Picasso prioritises comfort and softness, the Touran focuses on precision, practicality and solid build quality. Every element feels well engineered and durable, and everything operates with a sense of mechanical consistency typical of Volkswagen.
The third row is one of the Touran’s strongest points. It is easier to access, folds and unfolds with a simpler mechanism, and although still compact, feels slightly more usable for adults of average height. If the group plans to use all seven seats regularly, the Touran clearly has the advantage here.
On the road, it feels more stable and predictable, with more precise steering and a more controlled body response in curves. On winding inland roads around Málaga, this inspires confidence, especially for drivers unfamiliar with larger vehicles.
The boot is also more practical in shape when the third row is folded, making luggage organisation easier.
Fuel consumption and real-world use
Both models are usually available in diesel versions ranging from 115 to 150 hp, with real-world consumption around 6.5 to 7.5 litres per 100 km. The difference between them is minimal for typical holiday use. What matters more is checking tyre condition, fuel policy and insurance coverage carefully when picking up the vehicle in Fuengirola, as these details are often overlooked by travellers.
So, which one should you choose?
The answer depends on how you plan to use the car. If comfort is the priority, if there are elderly passengers, or if long motorway journeys dominate the itinerary, the Citroën C4 Picasso is the more comfortable choice. If, on the other hand, you expect to use all seven seats regularly, value ease of use, and prefer a more precise driving feel, the Volkswagen Touran is the stronger option.
Both are reliable, well-suited to the Costa del Sol, and available in our rental fleet for you to book. Choosing either guarantees comfortable, independent travel without relying on public transport across such a diverse region.