On the island’s roads, between coastal traffic jams and climbs to the Highlands, the choice of gearbox changes how comfortable you are. Here is how to decide.
Comfort in town and in the Highlands
An automatic takes the strain in coastal traffic jams and on repeated climbs to Cilaos or the Maïdo. No more juggling clutch and brake on hairpin bends.
A manual keeps the advantage of control, especially engine braking on descents, which is welcome on the long slopes of the West.
Budget
Manual models are often slightly cheaper per day. On a short, road-heavy stay, the difference remains modest compared with the comfort gained.
Our advice for your profile
First stay, touring, several drivers: go for an automatic. Experienced on the road and on a tight budget: a manual does the job perfectly well on the island.
Key point: for a first holiday, an automatic makes driving easier in Saint-Denis traffic and on the climbs. You’ll find both options in our range of cars to hire on the island.
Frequently asked questions
Does an automatic use more fuel?
With recent gearboxes, the difference in consumption is small. The island’s terrain matters more than the type of gearbox.
Can I filter for automatics?
Yes, in the booking engine an “Automatic” box filters automatic vehicles directly.