Fabia Estate - no headrest in the centre back and only a lapbelt ? is this true ? Is it safe ?

[Northeastmum17]

Hi, I was planning to get a fairly new Fabia estate but have just realised that there isn't a headrest in the middle back seat and the dealer says that there is only a lapbelt for the middle seat - can this be safe these days ? Has anyone got a Fabia Estate ? - any comments on this car ? and using with a child seat in the back and four adults ( Granny and Grandad !) Thanks

If you need a car seat in the middle you will probably find the Fabia a bit small - the central seat in most cars is a token effort and not very wide at all.

From my understanding, a lap belt is no use if it is full car seat as they require the higher level support of a full belt. Lap belts are only suitable with a booster seat.

The question of whether a lap belt is safe is more difficult - they are certainly nowhere near as safe as a full belt as they put enormous strain through the lower body in the event of accident.

If the middle seat will be used regularly, I would personally look for a car with a full centre belt, especially if a child will be using it.

That said, I am a bit of a hypocrite because I will happily take my two in the back of my Morris Minor which has no belts in it at all.