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In a nutshell

A safety focused, multi award-winning car seat from one of the biggest names in the child care industry

What we tested

  • Ease of installing
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Comfort
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Safety features
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Style
    A star rating of 3.5 out of 5.
  • Durability
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Worth the money
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 4.3 out of 5.

Pros

  • Light, easy to install, comfortable, easy to clean

Cons

  • Bulky headrest, pricey

The Kidfix XP SICT is one of the newest car seats from manufacturing giants Britax. An updated version of the 2013/14 KID range, it is a forward-facing Group 2/3 high-backed booster seat with a belt harness pad. One of the most-trusted names in the car seat industry, Britax has, in fact, won a total of five safety and design awards for the KidFix XP SICT. With this product, the British-German brand claim to have set a new safety standard for car seats in its group with their XP-PAD and Side Impact Cushion Technology. They say the seat will take up to 30% of the energy forces away from your child’s neck in the event of a frontal impact.

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What’s in the box?

  • Car seat

Any additional extras?

  • Summer seat cover -£36.00
  • Keep cool seat cover - £34.99
  • Car seat protector - £24.99
  • Car seat organiser - £12.99
  • Sun shade - £4.99
  • Drink and snack holder - £11.99

How was fitting the Kidfix XP SICT into your car?

Compared to other car seats we have used it was very easy to install. We fitted it into our car with the ISOFIT system, and when the green light showed, I knew it was secured. The instructions were printed on the side of the seat so there was no scrabbling around for instructions when we popped it in granny’s car.

Strapping the kids in was a doddle - and the XP-PAD made pulling the seatbelt down really easy. It was also quite light to carry around for a full seat. We used to use seat-only boosters to carry around for play dates and other trips, but this seat is light enough to change from car to car.

How comfortable was the car seat?

The seat was very comfortable for both my children; they enjoyed the deep padding but my son said the headrest made him feel closed-in, which he wasn’t too keen on.

Did you notice any difference in the safety when compared to other seats you have used?

I’m not absolutely convinced by Britax’s additional safety claims. The XP-PAD is an across the body harness, which looks like half a seat belt and works as a seat belt guide in addition to the red guides on the unit. You place it around your cars seat belt and it should lie just across your child’s chest. There is also a wheel at the side of the seat, which you can adjust to make thicker or thinner, that controls the SICT or side impact protection system. For me, the jury is still out as to whether any of this makes a difference to the actual safety of the seat.

How easy was it to clean?

Very easy! The cover is removable for washing and it was easy to wipe clean.

Is the Kidfix XP SICT value for money?

The seat lasts a fair few years (from the ages of 4 to 12), it has an adjustable backrest and its portability is excellent. So although it’s not cheap at £140, it is a good long-term investment.

What do you think about the seats recline positions?

I found that the seat didn’t really recline at all, but it was quite easy to adjust the headrest.

In a nutshell

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The Britax Kidfix XP SICT does everything you need a car seat to do and is super easy to install. Design-wise this seat looks good and worked well with the upholstery scheme of our car.

Product Specifications

Product
BrandBritax
ModelKidfix XP SICT
Price£165.00
Suitable for
Child age (approx)4 years to 12 years
Dimensions & Weight
Weight7.2kg
Features
Car seat installationIsofix base
Removeable cover for washingYes
Side crash protectionYes
Recline positionsNone
Height adjustible headrestYes
Accessories
Optional extrasSummer seat cover,Keep Cool' seat cover,car seat protector,car seat organiser,sun shade,drink and snack holder
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