Confusion over Isofix

[OldMotherIce]

I’m expecting and trying to buy a car seat. My car is a Chevrolet Aveo 2009 and it seems to have isofix. However for all the car seats I’ve looked at so far when I got to compatibility pages it only talks about Chevrolet Aveo 2011+. I don’t understand why. Anyone understand more about this?

[welshweasel]

You’re best off going to a specialist car seat fitter and seeing what fits rather than relying on fitting lists anyway, which often only have new models in. All it means is they havent tested your specific model of car, not that it won’t fit. To be honest, most infant carriers are a fairly universal fit, particularly if you use a seatbelt rather than isofix (no less safe).

[teaandbiscuitsforme]

It's because the car seat will have been tested in 2011+ model but not the earlier model. The fit list isn't a definitive list but just a list of the ones the manufacturers have tested. Most manufacturers will say that so long as the car seat is properly installed and fits; that's ok, but you can contact them to ask about your car model.

The major issue with infant car seats is normally the slope of the seat. If the seats are very sloped, they often don't work well with isofix because it's rigid and therefore the car seat ends up too upright. If your seats are sloped, you may be better without an isofix base abs securing it with the seatbelt (equally as safe). Other than that, infant car seats are normally pretty universal.