Anyone used a Maxi Cosi priorifix in a Ford KA?

[DeJaVous]

I've been trying to keep DD in her rear facing seat for as long as possible. She's 10 months and 9kg and whilst the MC cabriofix goes up to 13kg, she really hates being in it now and I'm going to have to get a forward facing one very soon.

It seems the the maxi cosi priorifix has done the best in crash tests, but I'm worried it wont fit in our microscopic car.

Anyone got any experience?

I've spoken to Cathy (she's brilliant) and measured the car. Basically there is no way we're going to be able to get any RF seat in this car.

This is a ford Ka, you're bound to have seen them around. Horrid little things.

With the passenger seat as far forward as possible the gap is 74 cm. The front passenger airbag can't be disabled. So, I'm just going to have to keep DD in her Cabrio for as long as is safe and hope we can get the new car in time.

We were thinking of getting a Volvo estate (V70 or V40, possibly?). DP is about 6 foot and I'm not tall by any stretch of the imagination That should be alright, shouldn't it?

If your heart is set on a RF seat, perhaps you should buy one before you buy your new car, and take it along for any test drives. I am 6'2" and there were some cars which would not have accommodated me & a RF seat, including some surprising ones.

If you are considering Volvos because of their reputation for safety, then there are other cars which have a 5 star NCAP rating (the highest you can get), which will offer your DP lots of legroom - see our list on the rearfacing website.

All the best.

A good tip, thanks! I think I'll do just that

Grrr, can't find the list. Can you link?

It's on the thread entitled

"rear facing, no isofix, smallish car and 6'3 husband - help!" at www.rearfacing.co.uk/forum.php.

But to save you time, here's our list (my DH looked at about 30 various makes and models, armed with a tape measure, to find a car we could all fit in, and that we could afford.) If you google NCAP, you'll find a list of cars that are 5 star rated (and therefore safer still).

Ford Mondeo (from 2006 onwards, haven't measured earlier designs)
Renault Laguna Mk 2 & Mk 3
Ford S-Max - by far the best for legroom - allows 90cm for the rear passenger with front seat set as described above.
Citroen C5 (but only out this year so very expensive)
Renault Megane Scenic
Seat Alhambra & Altea XL
Citroen C4 (2006)
Citroen C8

Remarkably, not all MPVs could fit our requirements and none of the Volvos we looked at did either.