The concept:
Taking classic Maclaren buggy simplicity and flexibility, and adding it to a chunky, funky three-wheeler, the MX3 has proved popular over the past year.
For 2007, it gets a style makeover and a more racey look.
As a buggy, it reclines so it is suitable from birth right up until your toddler is happy to walk everywhere. It is also modelled to turn into a pram (the carrycot is an extra £75, but this still makes it compare well with similar styles on the market). Plus, it can be adapted with the Recaro car seat, so it can be a good travel system option without breaking the £400 barrier.
Models like Quinny and the Stokke have found a new taste for high-up, forward-facing pushchairs, though sometimes they look a little more like trollies that cosy pushchairs.
There is something reassuring about the MX3 as an option to use from birth, but as your child grows and the car seat, carrycot etc are discarded, it comes into its own as a durable chariot even the fussiest two-year-old enjoys retreating to when a walk to the shops gets too tiring.
There's a good height range with the handlebar, which is great if you have different people (short and tall) using it. Plus the basket underneath is a good size. In the early months, when you already have a changing bag on your arm, it's great to have a decent space to put shopping, cuddly toys etc. The storage pockets built into the hood are really handy, too, for putting shopping lists etc somewhere easy to reach.
The only downside might be the air tyres. They are anti-puncture in design, but if you do a lot of baby-jogging or walking in the country, have a good feel of the wheels before you buy this option. It's a strong flexible model, but everyone has their own tastes when it comes to 'sporty' wheels.
The 2007 colours are: Charcoal Black, Crimson Orange, Orange Charcoal, Black Silver.
Optional extra accessories include a footmuff (SRP £49.99) and carrycot (SRP £75).
