Porsche for Kids - 911 child seats?

[Xstyle]

Seats:

Is this the seat I need for the 911 997?
http://www.design911.com/PORSCHE-JUNIOR-SEAT/prod4...

There are Recaro variants here...
http://www.porscheshop.co.uk/acatalog/porsche_baby...

My daughter is currently 8 months old, would like to get the best seat that can be used for a long time, if that is also the best option...


Toys:

My baby deserves a Porsche herself, to coincide with my impending purchase...

I have seen these:
http://www.porscheshop.co.uk/acatalog/porsche_chil...

- Baby Porsche Buggy, orange £80
- 918 pedal car, green £99 (but it's not a pedal version??)
I would rather buy the red 911 pedal car but that is from ages 3+...

Do you know of any better cars please? Or other toys?

Many thanks, and Merry Xmas.

[Barry Ashcroft]

Somebody posted a thread on kids cars recently but I can't find it. Had a nice silver 996 I fancied for my lad

[w33mud]

Had the Porsche seat,very good quality,lasted until age 3.

[Xstyle]

I've read on another forum that the Porsche Junior Seat is ok, but not the best.
Especially when you part with close to £400... Aparrently "normal" seats are fine, just trying to determine which brand and make...

[Barry Ashcroft]

Some good info here

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Xstyle]

Porsche car seats

Maxi Cosi Cabriofix
Age: 0-9 months (can go up to 12/15 months)
Type: Coupe or Cabriolet

This is actually a very good seat that I already have, being used in our regular cars, with the EasyFix base (rear facing seat position) on either IsoFix or seat belts.  The EasyFix is not ideal for the 911, hence the route of the seatbelt method as portrayed perfectly below:

Barry Ashcroft said:

Here is our Maxicosi Pebble it fits fully flat and still have room for the wife in the front.

Installation demo video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb08gStDiyE&fea...

Which.co.uk rating: 70% (family fix base) 2010, 58% (belted) 2007, 82% (EasyFix) 2007
Pros: Excellent front crash protection, easy to fit in the car, good finish quality, and base can be used with the group one Pearl seat once the child outgrows the Cabriofix
Cons: Poor side crash protection when secured using the adult seat belt, seat cover is hand wash only

http://www.which.co.uk/baby-and-child/baby-transpo...


My child is now on the next stage, so need a seat 9 months +

The Maxi-Cosi website lists out which seats fit in particular cars, which I ran for the 911...
http://www.maxi-cosi.com/Service/Car-fitting.aspx


Maxi Cosi Tobi
Age: 9 months - 4 years
Type: Coupe or Cabriolet

The Tobi is listed in the Porsche fitment
http://www.maxi-cosi.com/products/car-seats/toddle...

Paul O said:

I have just bought the Maxi Cosi Tobi seat for the rear of my 997 Cabriolet. Removing the lower seat bit makes it fit much better.

Only downside is limited legroom. We can't use it for a good few months yet so will report back next year with pics and experience!

I wasn't expecting it to be THiS hard to get a flippin' seat!!

BeSafe iZi Comfort X3
Age: 9 months - 4 years
Type: Coupe

Shewie said:

I have the Mamas & Papas Pro-tec in my 996 C4S. It fits a treat, especially with the seat backrest removed (10 minute job) although it does sit quite high so not sure how successful it would be in a cab. Secondhand off eBay is now probably the only place to get the original Pro-Tec as it is now discontinued, however I think the seat itself was manufactured by BeSafe in Norway and rebranded "Mamas & Papas" in the UK. 

Although not widely available I believe you can still get them under the name "BeSafe IZI Comfort X3". As far as I know this is exactly the same seat as the Pro-tec just sold under a different name. the website contains a list of UK stockists

This is a link to the seat on the BeSafe website:- http://www.hts.no/uk/products/izicomfort.php

Which.co.uk rating: 66% (isofix) / 61% (belted) 2011 results
Pros: Excellent side crash protection, good front crash protection, easy to use, good finish quality
Cons: Good crash protection but misses the Best Buy grade overall, bulky and heavy

http://www.which.co.uk/baby-and-child/baby-transpo...


Mama's & Papa's Protec
Age: 9 months - 4 years
Type: Coupe

Strafford said:

I've just bought a Mamas & Papas Pro-Tec seat - it's Group 1, forward facing, so suitable for 9kg-18kg, and fits perfectly in the back of my 997 Carrera S Coupe.

Despite initially being told unhelpfully by Mamas and Papas in Watford that 'none of their car seats would fit that car', Mamas and Papas in Cheshunt were much better and their car seat expert was very happy with the way it fitted. The seat belt routing is different on the Pro-Tec to others I've looked at and suits the siting of the belts in the 997 well.

The seat is sitting directly onto the floor carpet, by removing the leather pad that forms the 'cushion' of the rear seat (it is velcroed in and just pulls upwards to come out)

I'm much relieved to have found a good seat (much better than the Porsche ones as far as my daughter's comfort is concened), from a reputable brand, and hence confirmed that the 997 is indeed the 'ideal family car' I'd told my wife it was !

jayboy7 said:

thanks everyone looked back at all the threads and we have managed to get mama & papas protech which fits perfect!!im gona send the recaro back shame as it looked the part but just didnt fit securely!we will be out tomorow as a family the first trip in the 997!!looking foward to sharing the fun...more exiting than the range rover..

Are the current Protec SA-ATS models the same fitment?
http://www.mamasandpapas.com/range/pro-tec-saats/5...

Which.co.uk rating: 69% (isofix) 2008
Pros: Very stable, good head support, easy to install
Cons: Instructions and safety advice is quite brief

http://www.which.co.uk/baby-and-child/baby-transpo...


The Britax range seems to be good too, with their website detailing measurements of each seat:
http://www.britax.co.uk/car-seats/car-seats


Britax Evolva 1-2-3
Age: 9 months - 12 years
Type: Coupe

markbs said:

I went through a lot of searching a couple of months ago for my newly acquired 996 C2. I went to our local independent specialist and tried from a short list of 5 (price wasn't important). The only one I was satisfied with was the Britax Evolva 123. It fits our almost 2 year old well and didn't involve any mods or seat removal. I put down a leather seat protector before they strapped it in for me. My wife sits infront of him and we all fit well. I obv take his shoes off before he gets in as I'm keen to keep the interior immaculate.

Found it online:
http://www.paulstride.co.uk/group-1-2-3/britax-evo...

The Evolva Plus is an upgraded model with extra comfort, in the same dimensions:
http://www.britax.co.uk/car-seats/car-seats/evolva...


Britax 2-Way Elite
Age: 9 months - 4 years
Type: Coupe or Cabriolet

uktrailmonster said:

Finally sorted!!  
I went to this specialist child-seat fitter in Milton Keynes www.incarsafetycentre.co.uk which was recommended among a few other places around the country by an industry expert who posted on an earlier thread.

They had obviously been through this scenario before and straight away recommended the Britax Two-Way Elite.  It fits like a glove without having to remove either the seat-back or base and belt tensioning is simple and very effective.  Plenty of room left for the front seat too.  Not exactly cheap at nearly £200 but it looks like a quality product.

For anyone interested, here's a link to the actual seat.  Apparently it's a Scandinavian import not normally sold in the UK because it can be fitted both front or rear facing (a legal requirement for Swedish toddlers I'm told).  Obviously I've fitted it forward facing in the back of the 996!

Also briefly tried the Britax Evolva 1-2-3, but contrary to the above post it didn't appear to fit in my 996 C2?  Although we didn't spend very long trying as the other seat fitted so well.

http://www.incarsafetycentre.co.uk/catalog/product...

Demo installation video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brT5J2fJUp8&fea...


Britax Duo Plus
Age: 9 months - 4 years
Type: Coupe or Cabriolet

njm500 said:

Hi there, I went for the britax duo plus for my 997 c4s cab. Great seat. Really compact but very secure. It has isofix or seat belt securing. I have used it in the front passenger seat with isofix for my 2 yr old daughter or back seat. Both work really well.

I have a 997 c4s cab and have had the Britax Duo Plus for past 18months. Is excellent. Plus I have isofix in the front seat also. So have choice of isofix in the front or seat belt in the rear. 

FYI - Britax duo fix is also the same as latest Porsche Child Seat rebadged by Porsche

I got my local OPEC to fit official isofix to passenger front seat + switch for turning airbag off etc.... 

Car Seat was about £130 when i bought it online. 
The isofix kit fitted was £240 inc VAT from OPC Guildford, the key switch is located end of the dash where the passenger door closes and they fit a airbag deactivated light in the centre dash

The new 2012 colours have come out at £200+, but the older versions are still available slightly cheaper at  Amazon

Which.co.uk rating: 70% (isofix) 2007
Pros: Excellent crash performance as an Isofix seat, good all round ease of use
Cons: Doesn't make the Best Buy grade as a belted seat, seat cover must be hand-washed

http://www.which.co.uk/baby-and-child/baby-transpo...


Nania Trio Plus
Age: 9 months - 4 years
Type: Coupe or Cabriolet

Reviews from Asda customers:
http://reviews.asda.com/1440-en_gb/002659799/nania...

Its no longer available, officially, but Kiddies Kingdom selling some on eBay (but not there official site)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Nania-Trio-Plus-Car-...
Or from here for cheaper.

Barry Ashcroft] said:

This is a Nania Trio Plus for when he's 9months plus

Kiddy Energy Pro
Age: 9 months - 4 years
Type: Coupe

timjoslyn said:

So I visited the showroom at http://www.pushchairsandcarseats.co.uk/ today to try out the seats mentioned above. After about an hour of trying different seats in the back of the 997 there was one seat that stood out as providing the best fit, called was the Kiddy Energy Pro (some Mum's opinions at http://www.mumsnet.com/Reviews/CarSeatsFromNineMon... A fairly innovative design in that it doesn't have any belts but seems to be very well regarded and fits really well into the Porsche (and allows the front passenger seat to have plenty of room).

The Recaro Young Expert and Maxi Cosi Tobi also fitted ok but either compromised the front passenger too much or did not fit as well as I wanted so I plumped for the Energy Pro.

Demo video: http://www.kiddy.de/en/companies/kiddyfilm.html

Which.co.uk rating: 79% (belted) 2010 BEST BUY

"The forward-facing Group 1 Kiddy Energy Pro is suitable for children weighing between nine and 18kg (approximately one- to four-years-old). It is secured using the adult seat belt and an impact shield to help spread the crash loads. Read the full review to find out how it faired in the Which? Child Car Seat tests.
This is an excellent child car seat, which fairs well in our front-end and side-impact collisions. The child is exposed to low loads as the impact shield does its job.
At just 4kg, it's a very light-weight seat and it easy to handle and install. The instructions in the handbook and on the seat are clear.
Head support is excellent and leg support is good. The car seat gives the child a good view from the seat, despite the jutting shoulder and head wings, which are key to providing excellent side-impact protection. The seat is quite tall so it's suitable for larger children, but this also means you may need to remove the adult head restraint in some cars in order to make sure it sits squarely on the passenger seat.
We changed the car body we use for testing in 2011, to more accurately reflect the current typical family car seatbelt layout and design. We carried out some repeat testing, to ensure that previous tests shown online are broadly comparable to the current ones. However, such a significant change means we can't make absolute comparisons."

http://www.which.co.uk/baby-and-child/baby-transpo...
?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/KIDDY-ENERGY-PRO-SEAT-MTHS...

Further reviews here:
http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/products/683292-Kiddy-...


References:

PistonHeads 1

PistonHeads 2

911uk.com

Pistonheads 3

Edited by Xstyle on Monday 26th December 11:52

[Xstyle]

I have added the Kiddy Energy Pro at the end there, following a post by another PH user.
Seems very good, and the best Which Buy rating too. It is for ages 9 months to 4 years. I'm thinking of getting this one...
Quick question about longevity though... The next seat goes to 12 years (from 9 months), and is called the Kiddy Guardian Pro 2:
http://www.kiddy.de/en/childrens-car-seats/9months...

For the guys that have older kids in the back of your 911, are they seated normally, or in safety seats like these?

[timjoslyn]

Just to add, been using the Kiddy Energy Pro for quite a few months now in the 911 and am very happy. My son much prefers this seat to the seat in my wife's car (less restrictive), and if we ever need to lend a seat to family/friends it is always the Kiddy Pro they take due to being lightweight and ease of installation.

In fact as we need to replace our other seats then we will plump for other models from the Kiddy range....

[Xstyle]

Thanks Tim! Got any pics in the back of your car please?
Also, did you consider the Guardian Pro 2?
Many thanks

[AshRS250]

Xstyle said:

Nania Trio Plus
Age: 9 months - 4 years
Type: Coupe or Cabriolet

Reviews from Asda customers:
http://reviews.asda.com/1440-en_gb/002659799/nania...

Its no longer available, officially, but Kiddies Kingdom selling some on eBay (but not there official site)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Nania-Trio-Plus-Car-...
Or from here for cheaper.

Barry Ashcroft] said:

This is a Nania Trio Plus for when he's 9months plus

These sell for about £15.00 in Asda when they have their Baby events on.

[Xstyle]

I may drive up to Oxford Pram Centre, as they seem to have most of these car seats in stock, and try them out there...
http://www.oxfordpramcentre.co.uk/product_Kiddy-Gu...


Been searching for 911 rear seat removal, and saw this for the 997:
http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/997/191329-help...


"1. Took the plastic cover off the bolt that bolts the seat belt into the bottom/side, then removed the bolt and let the belt hang in the back.

2. This is where I hit my bump in the road. My torx screw was already a little rounded off on my driver side and I couldn't quite find a torx head to fit in it. Mine seemed like the correct size was right in between 40 and 45, but the 40 just continued to strip the screw and the 45 was to large. After wasting an hour going to and from Sears hoping they made 42 size torx head I came home and gave up on trying to remove the torx screw w/o completely stripping it (i'll buy new screws when needed) I then took the 45 and hammered it hard enough to get a tight fit into the torx screw where I then just took my 3/8ths ratchet and was able to loosen it. I did this to both sides and after finally getting the process right on the driver side the passenger side took me about 30 seconds.

3.The torx screw goes through a little rail bracket so once I removed the torx screw I pulled up enough to get the upper part of the seat off the rail. I then pulled the seats off the mounting bar or whatever you would like to call it.

4. At this point both seats are off and just the bracket that sits in between the seats is left. If you pop off the plastic cover from that you have exposed the thing that the seat sits on so its able to flip down (referred as the mounting bar in step 3) All you have to do to remove that is take an allen key and loosen it and your done."

Anybody seen a user guide with pics? Or even YouTube videos?
Thanks

[DJFish]

AshRS250 said:

Xstyle said:

Nania Trio Plus
Age: 9 months - 4 years
Type: Coupe or Cabriolet

Reviews from Asda customers:
http://reviews.asda.com/1440-en_gb/002659799/nania...

Its no longer available, officially, but Kiddies Kingdom selling some on eBay (but not there official site)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Nania-Trio-Plus-Car-...
Or from here for cheaper.

Barry Ashcroft] said:

This is a Nania Trio Plus for when he's 9months plus

These sell for about £15.00 in Asda when they have their Baby events on.

Just a heads-up, they have these in Asda at the moment for £25 as part of their baby event.

[AshRS250]

DJFish said:

Just a heads-up, they have these in Asda at the moment for £25 as part of their baby event.

Yep wait until the end they sometimes drop them to half price. But for the sake of £10 or so might aswell buy one if you want one.

Easiest car seat we've had to install and move around and has fitted all cars, unlike the other one we have.

[Xstyle]

timjoslyn said:

Just to add, been using the Kiddy Energy Pro for quite a few months now in the 911 and am very happy. My son much prefers this seat to the seat in my wife's car (less restrictive), and if we ever need to lend a seat to family/friends it is always the Kiddy Pro they take due to being lightweight and ease of installation.

In fact as we need to replace our other seats then we will plump for other models from the Kiddy range....

Tim, I sure hope the fitment is perfect!!!

Kiddy Guardian Pro 2 v Kiddy Energy Pro
I drove up to Oxford Pram Centre as per my last message.
I was focused on the Guardian Pro 2, tried it but it doesn't fit right. The assistant said the Energy Pro is the same fitment and dimensions to the base, so will be the same. Disappointed, I didn't test it, so just bought the Guardian Pro 2 for our normal cars, and my 9 month old child was very happy with it when tested today on a journey.

However, phoned Kiddicare who had both in stock, and asked them to measure and physically compare the bases.
The GP2 is 16" wide on a flat base, whereas the EP is 18" and the base is rounder. I really wish I checked for myself in Oxford! With this info, the EP should be ok, as that was the problem with the GP2, it doesn't shape itself to the aperture of the 911 inside rear. Mail ordered via John Lewis to my local Waitrose next day delivery, so will pick up and try the EP tomorrow, on a Sunday!

Maxi Cosi Tobi
The Tobi fitted in the base of the 911 perfectly. However it was quite high, which also pushed the seating position forward meaning leg room would be massively compromised for both baby and front passenger. A definite no.
I feel the Pro-Tec seats, and B-Wise will be exactly the same for this reason.

Britax Evolva 123 Plus
Sold out in the UK in every Halfords, so that's that.

Praying for the Energy Pro to be the one now... otherwise will buy the official Porsche seat! I'll report back soon...

Maxi Cosi Cabriofix Pearl
My existing stage 0 seat to 9 months fitted perfectly as shown by Barry Ashcroft earlier in this thread. The 2 hour + return journey was probably the best ever! Also the first time my baby was in a Porsche too, just fell asleep each time straightaway.

I will post pics of the rear seat removal when I get a chance, was quite easy.

[Xstyle]

Update:
The Kiddy Energy Pro does NOT fit nicely in the 911 rear. No idea how TimJoslyn has done it??
Eliminating a lot of seats that others have mentioned!

[Xstyle]

Update:

PORSCHE SEAT
Spoke to Porsche, who have said they have stopped with the Porsche Prince, and now sell the Porche Junior Seat, as follows:
http://www.porsche.com/all/media/flash/tequipment/...

Britax Prince
Spoke to "QuickFit Seat Belt Services" on Tel: [phone]
from a previous PH thread: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=224...
and they said the Porche Seat is actually the Britax Prince. £60 compared to £300.

They also said the Britax Evolva 123 is likely to be too wide at 60cm...

Earlier someone said the Duo Plus is the same as the Porsche Junior Seat, but looking closer (just via the pics) it looks like it is the Prince seat.
http://www.britax.co.uk/car-seats/car-seats/prince

Any comments guys?

[Xstyle]

Ok, just been to Halfords with the aid of one of their fitting experts, and I can honestly say, NOTHING fits!!!

Britax Evolva 123
Too wide, doesn't fit along the base too well, and crunches against the seat belt clipper.

Britax Duo Plus
Fitted in the base perfectly, but not too much gap behind... I had taken the bottom and the rear upright seat leather out of the car. Even with the seat belt fitted, there was way too much play and not stable.

Britax Prince
Fitted well on the base at the front end, but not the rear end of the base, fitted ok along the back of the upright, but not really perfect. Tried again on the other side with the rear leather upright seat in place, and was probably worse.

The one I haven't tried is the latest Mama's & Papa's Protec / B-Wise...
Narnia, I am not sure on, and the brand hasn't generallŷ got good reviews on Which?.

Will try the official Porsche seat and I'll be at my wits end if that doesn't fit!!
It has to... right...??!?

[jsb]

Xstyle, where abouts in the country are you. I have the Porsche seat (9months - 3 years) and also the one they use after 3 years. I am in Southampton and you are welcome to pop in and try them.

[Xstyle]

jsb said:

Xstyle, where abouts in the country are you. I have the Porsche seat (9months - 3 years) and also the one they use after 3 years. I am in Southampton and you are welcome to pop in and try them.

Thanks JSB. I just popped intro Porsche Reading and got the Junior Seat isofix.
It seems to be the same as the Britax Safefix, but without the foot anchor point :
http://www.britax.co.uk/car-seats/car-seats/safefi...

Fits perfectly, but there seems to be some play with the seat belt fixing. I have checked multiple times and refitted, pulled to tension it etc... Even the Porsche guy said its not the best in the rear...
What are your thoughts? I am able to return if I a not happy...

the King Plus or King plus TS would probably be similar, without the ISOfix part
http://www.britax.co.uk/car-seats/car-seats/king-p...

[Mankers]

Hey Xstyle some good info there.

Have you had a chance to try the MAMA's & PAPA's Pro Tec SA-ATS yet? I think the old M&P Pro Tec fits but not sure if the new SA-ATS does?