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Review: Maclaren Techno XLRBy Sarah Lawson |  |  |
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Maclaren Techno XLR Pushchair
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The light flexibility of a buggy but with strength and the accessories that can make it a full-on travel system |
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Not much to fault |
| Features: |
Suitable from birth to 29kg, four seat positions, adjustable leg rest and handles, comes in a range of colours, accessories include the Recaro car seat, baby carrier and a rocker (available as a travel system for RRP £295), zipped hood with sun visor and 99 per cent UV-protective viewing window |
| Price: |
RRP £185 |
| Weight: |
7.4kg without hood, basket or raincover |
| Handle: |
110-114cm high |
| Dimensions: |
Folded L110x W39x H50cm
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| Contact: |
Maclaren website |
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The concept:
Many people think that the Maclaren umbrella-fold buggy is a great light option for a second pushchair once their child is at least six months old, but Maclaren have some amazing buggies that are full-reclining, well-designed, snug and solid, making them a great choice from birth. The Techno XLR, compatible with the Recaro infant carrier (with ISOFIX or without), is the real star of the show and comes in cheaper than many more bulky travel system options.
In action:
Although the Techno XLR is not the lightest buggy, it feels solid and its suspension and single-spoke wheels make it easy to manoeuvre. Interestingly, the handle height is quite high but still comfortable, especially with the padded handles.
As ever, the reclining seat is easy to move so if your baby is asleep you can ease it back to a flatter position.
The hood with its viewing window is really useful and on Maclarens, it folds back to a much smaller size when you don't need it.
The basket isn't huge on this model, indeed, it is not huge on most Maclarens, but it is a useful space and it does mean this can fold down neatly when not in use.
Also, even when you are using this model as a travel system, with the optional extra of the Recaro carrier, because it is based on the slim Maclaren buggy style, it is easy to get into smaller shop spaces and on the bus, than some larger travel system models.
The Techno XLR comes in lots of colours for 2007: Coffee Brown with Powder Pink trim and interior, Tan with Crimson interior, Navy with Soft Blue interior, Charcoal (grey) with Burnt Orange interior.
The coordinating range of extras are the Recaro car seat (infant carrier), the baby carrier (sling), and a rocker (chair for use without the buggy). These all come in the Brown/Pink, Tan/Crimson and Navy/Soft Blue options.
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The ThinkBaby verdict
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A nifty but cosy and reassuringly strong pushchair you can use from birth, with stylish matching extras for getting about, and for the nursery
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Performance: | 4/5
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Value: | 4/5 |
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