Hi i'm a newbie, due october and thought would share my recent research so far on maxi cosi pushchairs as these mentioned a few times. My challenge: i drive a Fiat 500! I love it and really do not want to change it. Compact fold, weight, practicality and looks all important to me (yes I want it all!) Apologies now for long post but is all my thoughts in case helpful...
Saw the maxi cosi New Loola and Elea at the NEC baby show just last Weekend. New Loola going to be about £300 i think, cheaper with shop offers no doubt, but not in shops until mid/late June 13. It looks very similar to the Elea (£400, often £320ish on offer) some frame styling differences but practical features similar. What i liked/comparisons:
-one handle easy push (felt slightly smoother on elea)
-can face seat either way in any recline position on both
-genuine completely lie flat for newborn on both
-plus 2 other seat recline positions for older babies on both
-do not need to push, hold and lift seat detach buttons at same time; has convenient 'memory' buttons, press one each side then lift off - nice and easy! (On both)
-relatively easy to fold and erect both, and can fold with seat on. to fit in my boot you remove seat (easy) frame then folds really compact (less than half size of when seat on) and stands up vertically, good if you are limited for space storing it at home (though elea frame folds shorter than new loola, and I know definitely fits in my boot, kiddicare showed me! Elea rear wheels are large, though quick release style, I didn't need to remove them to fit frame in my boot but if they were mucky I would and put them in a plastic bag, and its very very easy to do).
-both have fair basket size and new loola basket even looked a little bigger than the elea's!
-both come with gorgeous snuggley 'nest' to use with lie flat position, perfect for my A/W baby, which means no need to necessarily buy carry cot (unless you really want one)
-both include attachments at no extra cost for maxi cosi cabriofix and pebble car seats.
-both come with big rain cover
-both have extendable sun canopy via zip which is great for lie flat position and I expect sleeping!
-both have swing away child grab bar, one button action
-both have adjustable height handlebar, I'm 5'9 so love the full height option
-both have change bag hooks between handle bars designed for maxi cosi black change bag (buy seperately) which would help keep basket free for shopping if important to you.
-new loola is narrower set up than elea, so good for narrow hallways, buses, tight shops etc.
-I could lift parts easily and the most exercise I do is swim once a week!
-new loola colour options: modern black (all blk with a leopard pattern woven subtly into fabric - google pebble to see example), graphic crystal (black with white geometric patterned fabric inside making nice and light), origami rose (pink).Lady on stand said pebble car seat available in matching colours (if important to you) except graphic crystal pebble not available until September-ish.
That is all I can remember.
I will go for one of these as very practical for my needs, compact fold options, weight good for me and although not as swish looking as the less practical brands (in my opinion) I do like overall look, nice fabrics/seat padding and love love love the nest, plus fact I don't need to buy any accessories to meet my needs.
I am undecided until I can try the new loola in my car boot, as you don't get much less at all for the likely £ saving vs elea. My husband prefers styling of elea and the big rear wheels could be more comfy ride. Though both have 'puncture proof' plastic wheels so they aren't designed for extensive outdoor use.
If uneven ground is your challenge I'd look at something like Baby Jogger City Mini, compact, light, simple fold 3 wheeler with inflatable wheels, think seat only outward facing but does lie flat. My sister is going for this one because lives by a park and wants to walk to shops etc, plus has great reviews on here and reasonably priced. I drive everywhere so not important to me.
Happy shopping 