The seat looks good and both me and my 4-year-old really liked it. The lack of arm rests makes it look less of a “baby chair”, a great bonus for him! The company purposefully doesn’t include arm rests as they make it easy to incorrectly position the belt.
What is key is that this chair feels safe and secure. It’s a little heavy at 8kg, the slight downside of Isofix, but it’s reassuring not to see Daniel tip sideways when I'm driving! T
he chair’s “side impact rotation” turns the seat away from an impacting vehicle in the event of a side impact thus increasing the protective shield for the child and giving superb protection and excellent head support.
The German version of WHICH? (Stiftung Warentest) published its interpretation of the ADAC research and apparently rated the seat very highly. Out of 23 seats up to 36 kg tested, the IZi Up FIX came fourth.
I found it relatively easy to secure and it’s a doddle to use the seatbelt guides – much easier than some I’ve struggled with. There is a height adjustor easily accessible from both sides and it reclines to two further positions. The recline and very decent amount of seat padding make it look more comfortable than our previous upright seat.
BeSafe has taken on board feedback regarding earlier versions of the Izi Up and has redesigned the recline handles angling them backwards to prevent the seat belt getting tangled around them, and making them narrower so easier to install.
They have also enhanced and heightened the edges of the bottom seat cushion area for improved side-impact stability.
What we love
A very comfortable, padded, good-looking chair that won’t embarrass older, style-conscious children, no arm rests make it easier to position the belt properly and look like a grown-up seat. The Isofix option makes it feel secure and safe. Easy to adjust height technique widens the seat at the same time as the height – great for kids who feel squashed in traditional chairs.
What to watch out for
Check BeSafe’s list of compatability. The seat can go up to 150 cm, so make sure your headrest is adjustable or removable. The seat is heavy at 8kg, but it’s the price you pay for Isofix fittings.
Who is the IZI UP X3 Fix best for?
Great for long journeys and those looking for a safe car seat that’s not frequently swapped between cars; good durability; ideal for older or taller kids under 12.
MadeForMums verdict
At the higher end of the price range, we still feel this car seat represents decent value for a safe, Isofix car seat. It’s stylish but developed with safety at its core.
