The Maxi-Cosi concept:
The Isofix version of Maxi-Cosi's popular Priori car seat, the PrioriFix is designed to fit into any car that's ready with Isofix fittings, or to be fitted simply with a seat belt in a car that isn't Isofix ready. The security of the Isofix fittings partners with the Priori's other special safety aspects, such side impact protection features.
The Maxi-Cosi PrioriFix in action:
Ease of use / safety
Whether used in Isofix or simple seat belt mode, the PrioriFix is a doddle to fit. The special extending support leg gives the seat a more complex appearance, so we expected a bit of fuss to get it into the car in the Isofix setting, but it actually took about a minute, even on the first go. Colour-coded indicators take the guess work out of fitting the seat by showing when you've got a secure fit and the extending leg gives you an extra degree of security.
We liked the fact that you can also fit the seat with a seat belt, which is great if you need to use the seat in someone else's car, without Isofix, or if you're planning to buy a new car with Isofix fittings in the near future but don't have them in your current car - you can still use the PrioriFix in the meantime. Do be aware however, that the PrioriFix is fitted more securely with the Isofix fittings than with a seat belt.
If you're planning to take the seat in and out of the car quite a lot, then make sure you're happy with the weight of the PrioriFix, as at over fourteen and a half kilos it's definitely a bit on the heavy side as group one car seats go.
As usual with Maxi-Cosi's seats, the seat straps on the PrioriFix can be tucked out of the way to the sides with belt hooks to make it easier to take your child in and out. There are three shoulder heights for adjusting the straps and the straps are quickly lengthened and shortened at the front with a press and pull system.
Perhaps scoring most highly on the ease of use scale is the seat's recline function, which you can operate with one hand. We found that it's simple to reach into the back from the front to do this (when you're stationary if you're the driver!) as the lever is nice and chunky, and it's every bit as easy to slide up again.
Comfort for baby
It's not that easy to judge the comfort of a car seat for a baby other than on appearances and by how happy the child seems. The seat is quite well padded and the ease of adjusting the straps helpos you get a good fit for them for your child - secure but still comfortable. Another plus point is that the Priorifix is quite a high seat, so that your child can usually see through the car windows (though obviously this depends on your child's height and the window positioning). This is rather important given the design of this seat, as the side impact protection does limit visibility slightly at the sides, so being high up helps compensate for that.
The PrioriFix's easy-recline option is one of the things we like most about this car seat. It gives four seat positions and although the seat doesn't look to recline all that much, we found that changing the position did make a difference to our child: adjusting it down for sleeping helped with the head position so he didn't slump forward and if you adjusted the seat before he was ready to drop off he would protest at no longer sitting upright to look about.
We have tested the PrioriFix around and about town and on a couple of 5-hour journeys. Taking the afternoon nap in the car wasn't a problem, and nor was being put down for the night in the car on the longer trips: our toddler stayed happily asleep until we reached our destination and transferred him to the cot.
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The ThinkBaby verdict
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The Maxi-Cosi PrioriFix scores highly on security thanks to the side impact protection and Isofix fitting. It's also extremely easy for parents to use and seems pretty comfy for the child, not least due to the recline feature. All in all a great product, but with a price tag to match.
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Usability: | 5/5
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Quality: | 4/5 | 
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Value | 3/5 |
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