Considering a 90 hard top - fitting a baby seat??

[dasherdiablo1]

I'm considering a new defender 90hardtop but can you still get them with the bench formation at the front? Reason I ask is it would be useful if I could fit the mrs and our little one in on occasions. Otherwise it will have to be a 90 station wagon...

[Howitzer]

I looked at them for my 110 Van, I decided against it in the end though as it's a pretty vunerable area and I don't think it's a very safe place for a child seat.

Dave!

[dasherdiablo1]

Thanks,

I have been doing a bit of research and it seems that all versions of the defender are rather poor on safety due to the construction ie huge chance of serious injury if side impact or it rolls over. I have wanted one for many many years but I'm not sure I am prepared to take the chance of risking my life or that of my family if there was a nasty accident. It would appear that even superminis offer better protection.

[anonymous-user]

It's all relative though and comparing it to a supermini that scores well in an NCAP test is a little flawed.
There are circumstances where the sheer bulk of a Defender will be its best protection, as will the mahoosive front and rear cross members. You also have far better visibility over most other vehicles in a Defender so "should" have a better chance of avoiding trouble in the first place. They aren't that quick either so you're forced to drive at a more leisurely pace anyway.
Another advantage is that a roll cage (internal or external) can be added to a Defender without looking too out of place nor massively intrusive. 50th anniversary 90s even had them factory fitted.
Middle seat is a bit of a non-starter though. It's basically a 3/4 width flat seat base with a flat seat back and a lap strap.
A forward-facing rear seat with full three point seatbelt is the answer. Try Exmoor Trim. Think their gear might even be ISOFIX rated.