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What we tested

  • Fold/unfolding
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Manoeuvrability
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Comfort for child
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Style
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Durability
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Worth the money
    A star rating of 3.5 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 4.2 out of 5.

Pros

  • Light to push, great design, two sets of front wheels, very robust, hand brake, easy to fold, wheel tracking device

Cons

  • Raincover not included, high when big wheels attached, hood doesn't fold back too smoothly

Mountain Buggy's New Terrain is one of a raft of new additions to its ever-growing, all-action stable that combines sleek and slender stylish designs with the hardiness and nimbleness (yes, that's a word) of a mountain goat.

An update on its award-winning Terrain, released in 2002, the New Terrain now has a one-hand fast fold feature, a more compact fold, and new sporty colours, amongst other new features.

It also now comes with two sets of back wheels that let you easily switch between off-road mode (the meaty 16" wheels) to urban assault course (12").

And the neat little extras from the NZ Mountain Buggy team don't stop there. The Terrain has more hidden pockets than a magician, has a silent magnetic peek-a-boo flap, and is equipped with foot and hand brakes.

Buy the Mountain Buggy Terrain on Amazon

As one of the top name buggy brands, Mountain Buggy has priced the new Terrain between the more high-end all-terrains: the lighter, 10.5kg Thule Urban Glide is priced at £425 and iCandy's 14.5kg Peach All Terrain buggy retails at £640.

What's the difference between this version and the older Mountain Buggy Terrain?

The New Terrain has lots of neat features, but firstly, I think it's pretty impressive that you get two sets of wheels, which the older terrain didn’t have.

They're both air-filled so may need some maintenance, but they're robust. The 16" do make the buggy fairly high off the ground, so the handle seems quite far up, but the handle can be adjusted down.

Both sets of wheels do make for a nicely cushioned ride for your little one though.

I'd expect this to be an extra, but I like that Mountain Buggy have chosen to include the 16" and 12" in the product price, letting you choose which wheels suit your day.

And it actually means that Mountain Buggy has picked-up the past criticism of older version being expensive once all extras had been added.

The Mountain Buggy Terrain comes with two front wheels; a 12" and 16" at no extra price.

Staying on the subject of wheels, there's also a tracking cog, which can be adjusted to stop your wheels veering the pram off in its own direction (very annoying when you're pushing one-handed!)

Mountain Buggy has obviously put lots of thought into what its customers want, as the parent-friendly features continue.

This New Terrain has pockets all over the place - even in the hood. It also has two bottle holders, allowing space for your little one's drink and yours (very good if you're out jogging). It also has a hole for your earphones, another great feature for joggers.

Does it still work well off-road?

Yes, it does! The New Terrain is really light to push in any environment. Off-road, with its 16" wheels, it took on anything that I threw at it with ease.

That included grass, gravel, churned up Tarmac and mounds of broken up old concrete. It sailed over them. The 16" wheels do make the buggy seem quite high though, and on occasion lifted off the ground a little on one side if I quickly turned a corner.

The handle can be easily adjusted to its various heights with the push of a button at either side.

The handle can be quite high when the 16" wheels are on, but not ludicrously so; and it can be adjusted so it shouldn't be of concern.

Our 7 of the best jogging buggies

Is it easily adaptable to an urban or inner city environment, public transport?

It really does, the 12" wheels, in an urban/suburban setting, were also more than up to the job.

Mountain Buggy create their buggies with a 'unique kerb pop', where the distribution of weight across the frames makes it very easy to push down on the handle to climb up kerbs. It really does work!

The New Terrain can also turn 360 degrees on the spot, avoiding those torturous fifteen point turns other buggies seem to need when you want to turn around in a narrow shopping aisle.

The front wheel can project out in front of the buggy, which makes it quite long for getting on the bus, but it can also be flipped around under the buggy, allowing that vital extra space needed on public transport.

Again, the fact that you get two sets is great.

The Terrain basket can hold up to a whopping 10kg

What are the brakes like?

The New Terrain has brakes galore! The foot brake has a pedal on each side, which is great (no more groping around with your foot under a reclined seat trying to remember which side the brake's on).

There's also a brake, just like you'd get on a bike, on the handlebar. Another neat feature for anyone out jogging with their bubba.

How is the fold system?

It can be easily folded with one hand, with a twist of a handle and the press of a button under the front of the seat. No wrestling skills required to fold this buggy up!

How compact is it when folded?

It’s not the most compact until the back wheels are popped off. But once you take them off (this is very easy) it folds quite flat. And it is easy to store and it should fit in most boots.

How comfortable does it feel?

It's got very comfy-looking material where it matters; nice and padded too.

The seating material is reversible, which is a good touch if you're dealing with any sudden spills, or your little one doesn't like to be seen riding in the same colours two days in a row!

The seat is also easy to recline, by releasing two toggles and sliding it down two straps (just like how you would loosen a rucksack handle). And the seat goes completely flat too, if your little one is committed to a full-on sleeping session.

Once they've woken, it's easy to get the seat back upright with a tug on both straps. Then there’s the gate opening' bumper bar for easy access in and out of the seat, no problems.

The Mountain Buggy Terrain is suitable from birth to 25kg

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What are the basket and storage pockets like?

The generous 10kg basket is easily accessible even when the seat is reclined, and has a mesh zip-up top to stop anything escaping.

And did I mention that there are pockets galore??? There’s even more storage in the basket, the seat unit and hood – all good conker storage.

Is it travel system compatible?

Yes, Mountain Buggy do their own car seat: the Protect. But The New Terrain is also compatible with a number of car seats, including popular brand names such as Phil&Ted's, Cybex and Maxi-Cosi.

What do you think of its design?

You can see how Mountain Buggy earned it's Red Dot awards for design on some of it's other buggies. The New Terrain looks great with its sleek curved shiny black frame and quality fabric.

It comes in a choice of two 'sport fashion designs'; Solus, a bright canary yellow and grey; and Graphite, which is grey with a white 'cobweb' design.

Is the product value for money?

It’s not easy to part with £500 for anything, but this buggy is well built, sturdy and durable.

It also looks good and has lots of built-in parent-friendly features. If you're looking in the premium buggy market this does represent good value for money.

What's in the box?

  • Mountain Buggy New Terrain
  • 12" and 16" air-filled back wheels
  • Instructions

MadeForMums verdict:

If you're going to take your buggy off-road then you need a robust vehicle. It may cost almost £500 but the New Terrain is worth that investment; it's strong and durable, yet light and easy to push.

With it's extra set of wheels, I think this buggy will be able to handle any new terrain you may be set to explore for a long time.

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Product Specifications

Product
BrandMountain Buggy
ModelTerrain Pushchair
Price£499.00
Suitable for
Child age (approx)Birth (with carrycot/cocoon) to 5 years
Child weightUp to 25kg
Dimensions & Weight
Weight12.9kg
DimensionsH:92.5cm–123.5cm W:63cm
Dimensions (folded)H:93cm W:63cm L:39cm
Features
Travel system compatibleYes
Compatible car seatsMountain Buggy do their own car seat: the Protect. But The New Terrain is also compatible with a number of car seats, including popular brand names such as Phil&Ted's, Cybex and Maxi-Cosi.
Seat facing directionForward facing and parent facing
Front wheelsLockable swivel
Recline positions3
Lie flatYes
Features
  • 12 and 16-inch rear tyres
  • Shock absorbing suspension
  • Hand operated active brake for complete control
  • Tracking device (adjustable tracking for precision steering and maximum stability when front wheel is locked forward)
  • Zip covered gear tray holds up to 5kg
  • Adjustable sun canopy
  • Adjustable seat position from upright to fully reclined for newborn
  • Multi-adjust handle
  • Peekaboo flap in hood
  • Multiple pockets for storage (inside seat area
  • Sides of the hood
  • Back of gear tray)
  • Two bottle holders
  • Detachable bumper bar
  • Quick release wheels with air tyres
  • Easy 2 Step fold
  • Foot brake
  • Carrycot and car seat compatible
Accessories
Accessories included12 and 16-inch rear tyres
Optional extras
  • Sun cover £39
  • Storm cover £29
  • Duffel bag £39
  • Universal travel bag £79
  • Food tray £10
  • Mountain Buggy Protect infant car seat £129
  • Car seat isofix base £69
  • Car seat universal base £69
  • Car seat adapters £29
  • Baby car seat covers set £25
  • Freerider (scooter and stroller board in one) £79
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