Maxi-Cosi Vita Smart Review
Specifications
RRP
$749
Type
Type A4/B convertible car seat
Weight
10.4kg
Age
Rearward facing: 0 – 2-3yrs (approx)
Forward facing: 12mo – 4yrs (approx)
Dimensions
H 65 x W 45 x D 56.5 cm
(54cm depth in rearward facing mode)
Height markers
Lower marker
(must rearward face under marker): 34cm
Middle marker (turn to forward facing): 39cm
Upper marker (stop use): 43.5cm
Anchoring
ISOFIX
Seatbelt
Adjustability
8 position headrest and in-built harness adjustment
3 position forward-facing seat recline
Built in rebound bar
Harness
5-point harness
Other features
Safety Shield, Dual Action Protection for head and torso protection
G-CELL design
Air Protect superior side impact protection
2 piece infant insert with head huggy to aid superior comfort for infants
Magnetic Harness Holders to aid simple and safe use of harness
3D Mesh provides air flow & additional support under their legs
Cool Baby Wicking Fabric
Removable and machine washable seat covers
Warranty
10 years on shell and 3 years on fabric
The Maxi-Cosi Accident Exchange Service offers new for old replacement of your car seat in the event of a car accident.
CREP safety rating using ISOFIX
Protection rating
Ease of use rating
CREP safety rating using seat belt
Protection rating
Ease of use rating
Pros and cons
Pros
+ Top of the line safety features (Air Protect and G-Cell)
+ Narrow width for 3 in the rear
+ Short depth
+ Extended rearward facing to 2-3 years
+ ISOFIX
+ Infant insert for younger babies
Cons
– Heavy at 10.4kg
– Does not have the chin support feature of the Vita Pro
Bottom line:
The Maxi-Cosi Vita Smart is a very well appointed convertible car seat. With Air Protect head cushion protection and G-Cell side impact protection, it has the latest technology to protect your children in the event of a side impact accident. It also offers extended rearward facing to 2-3 years, which if used has been shown to be a safer position than forward facing.
Additional features help it stand out of the pack too: ISOFIX is supported in addition to regular seat belt anchoring, and the ‘Cool Baby Wicking Fabric’ has been adapted from the Moda. An infant insert that supports babies from newborn. At 45cm wide and 56.5cm deep it is possible to fit 3-wide in smaller cars and give the front passenger leg room. The magnetic harness holder is also a welcome every day convenience that you appreciate when you are trying to put a squirming toddler in the seat.
Apart from colours, the only difference between the Vita Pro and Vita Smart is that the Vita Pro has the chin support to help prevent your child’s head from flopping when they sleeping.
At $749 it is up there with the most expensive car seats but it does represent best-in-class for convertible car seats.
Who this is for:
Parents looking for the latest safety and convenience technologies in a convertible car seat.
