Non-ISOFIX is absolutely fine if you very rarely need to move the car seat, so Group-1 onwards really.  ISOFIX bases for Group-0 are even more convenient.

 

I'd also agree that rear-facing is far safer than front facing - we had J in a Gp-1 rear facer in the main family car until his legs got too long (~2y.o. or so, from memory).

 

With regard to "basic tests" - I've had some good chats with someone who tests these things (hence why we kept J rear facing for longer), and she wouldn't touch some of the cheaper brands with someone else's bargepole...

 

 

I do agree regarding pushchairs / prams / "systems" though - there's absolutely no need to spend hundreds of pounds on this stuff - half of it is branding aimed at the middle classes...

I know we're stealing the thread a little but we're still kinda on-topic.

We took my parents out today and tried putting the car seat on the middle seat, without the isofix base. Much more space for two adults in the rear. Possibly a slight reduction in safety but still strapped in with a 3 point harness.

Apparently all this stuff is even cheaper if you don't have a child!!!!

You can keep all your toy cars like subarus as well.

Apparently all this stuff is even cheaper if you don't have a child!!!!

You can keep all your toy cars like subarus as well.

I initially bought the Octavia Estate because I wanted the rear space for a Labrador...

Ended up with a bady & can say after 8-months, something with the bootspace of the Octavia is great.

You never have to think about what your are taking or where it will go.

I can even put the pram in fully assembled with just the handles lowered.

 

Our 2nd car is a 3series & its just not quite as practical despite have quite a big boot.

If we are going somewhere we take the Octavia every time.

Just sold a 3 series for my Octy combi. Other vehicle is a Mazda CX5.

Boot space is valuable, and more passenger leg room with a rear facing seat. Cx5 height is nice however.

3 series boot is big, but the opening is small, which limits it's usefulness.

My little guy is approaching 2. Front facing soon and cabin space becomes less of an issue.