Like Hazle, it was the 360 degree rotation which ultimately sold the Sirona to me. It's going to be so handy to be able to turn the seat 90 degrees to get E in and out of it.
Lol Which? have only tested 9 ERF seats so probably isn't a definitive list, but their results are as follows..
Cybex Sirona - 76% - £400
BeSafe iZi Kid X3 Isofix - 70% - £320
Britax Max-Fit - 69% - £275
BeSafe Izi Combi X3 Isofix - 62% - £350
Recaro Polaric Isofix - 60% - £205
Britax Max Way - 31% - £215 - Don't Buy
Volvo Convertible - 28% - £158 - Don't Buy
Joie Stages - 26% - £130 - Don't Buy
Axkid Kidzofix - 0% - £365 - Don't Buy
The Cybex Sirona child car seat is an eye-catching combination car seat for children from birth up to 18kg (approximately four years old). It can be used as an extended rearward-facing seat to 18kg or changed to face-forwards when your child reaches 13kg. Unusually, older children are held in place by an impact shield, rather than a harness. Some extended rear-facing seats can be a bit cramped for older kids We sent it to our lab to find out if the Sirona has plenty of space.
The Cybex Sirona is a good extended rearward-facing seat. If your child doesn't like facing backwards, it's also an excellent Group 1 forward-facing child car seat. It's the highest-scoring combination Group 0+/1 seat we've tested,and worth considering, but narrowly misses the marks required to be a Best Buy.
What is it?
A combination Group 0+/1 child car seat for babies from birth to 18kg (approximately four years). It's used rearward-facing from birth to 13kg, at which point you can either leave it rearward-facing, which reduces the strain on the head and neck in a crash, or turn the seat around on the base and use it forward-facing.
It's installed on a base that uses Isofix mounts to attach to the car. The Isofix base has a support leg to stop the seat pivoting forwards in a crash, which may make it unsuitable for use in some cars that have underfloor storage compartments or limited back-seat leg space.
You can't install it in your car with the adult three-point seatbelt.
The baby is restrained by a five-point harness with a one-pull adjustment strap when they are rearward-facing.
But if you turn the seat forward-facing you use an impact shield instead. This curved foam slide-in wedge fits snugly across the child's tummy and is held in place by buckles on either side of the shield. The child rolls forward around it in a crash, which reduces the strain on their neck.
How safe is it?
The Sirona is essentially two car seats in one. It scores 73% when used as a Group 0+ and 1 rearward-facing seat, providing excellent front-impact protection and good side-impact protection.
It's also good when used as a Group 1 forward-facing seat for older children, providing excellent front and side-crash protection, it scores 78% in this mode.
It's a good design for safety - the seat sits firmly on the car's seat and the harness/impact shield is in a good position on the child. Head support is good.
Is it easy to fit the seat?
The instructions and warning labels are clear and very easy to understand, and there's little danger of installing the seat incorrectly if you follow the instructions.
It's easy to install, although very heavy. It weighs 15kg, so is best left in the car. Green indicators show when the Isofix connectors are correctly attached.
You can't turn the seat forwards without storing the harness.
It's easy to buckle your child in using both the harness and the shield.
Is the seat comfortable?
It's well-padded and creates a good sitting position for infants - who should not sit too upright - and older kids. You can also recline it to give older children a more comfortable sleep.
But the view from the seat is a bit limited and the leg support is uncomfortable for older children when it's rearward-facing.
Is there anything else I should know?
The seat cover is easy to remove and machine washable, and the finish quality on the seat is good.
Should I buy it?
This is a good child car seat and certainly worth considering. Although expensive, it should last you a long time and keep your child facing rearwards for longer, which many parents are keen to try.
Please remember that not all car seats fit in all cars. We recommend that you check how well this seat fits in the cars you will use before you buy it.
Do you already own this child car seat? If you do, click the Customer views tab - above the picture - and tell us what you think of it.
Pros: Extended rearward-facing seat, excellent good safety score as a Group 1 and Group 0+ seat, excellent head support, good seating position, good finish quality, machine-washable cover
Cons: Limited view for babies, heavy, uncomfortable leg support for older kids in rear-facing