I'm trying to rent a car in Italy for 13 days, and the choices the Autoeurope site is giving me are: almost $1000 for a compact (Alfa 146), $700 for a VW Polo, or $600 for a Fiat Punto with a free upgrade "to the next class". I don't think I want a Punto based on the user comments I've read here, but I don't want to spend $1000 if I don't have to. Can any of you tell me what kind of gamble I'm taking if I book a Punto with the upgrade with the intention of ending up with something slightly more powerful and comfortable?

The next class should be the compact class - the one with the Alfa 146. I have noticed this special on the website for a couple of days and I think it's a bit confusing. Why not give AE a call for clarification after you receive your quote?

It's not a gamble. Auto Europe guarantees the upgrade, so you will get a compact car. Never had it fail.

Sally is correct. The voucher will say something like "Automatic Free Upgrade" and it will be honored. Don't lose any sleep over that arrangement.

Thanks for the advice and reassurance. Ora non mi preoccupato. Ho già fatto una prenotazione e aspetto il viaggio.