Cybex Solution T i-Fix car seat review

First impressions

My first impressions were very good. The Cybex Solution T i-Fix car seat seemed very smart and sturdy when we unboxed it, as I’d expect from a more expensive car seat. I was excited to get it installed in the car and start using it.

How easy is it to assemble the Cybex Solution T i-Fix car seat?

I didn't get off to the best start as it took me ages to find the instructions! They are in a pocket at the bottom of the seat, but there was nothing saying that on the box or the seat, so it was only when I found a video on Cybex’s YouTube channel that I worked this out. It’s a handy place to keep the user guide, but it would have been useful to know where to find them when I opened the box.

Once I found the instructions it was straightforward to put it together, you just have to attach the seat to the back – again, I found Cybex’s YouTube video very useful to reassure me that I was doing it correctly.

How do you install the Cybex Solution T i-Fix car seat?

The Solution T i-Fix car seat was very simple to install into my car. To use the ISOFIX you just need to fold out the ‘arms’, and it was easy to slot into the fixings in my car – you know you've installed it correctly when you see the side indicators click to green.

This is something I’ve found awkward with other seats in the past, so I was impressed with how straightforward it was. Once it was in place, the Solution T i-Fix felt very secure and didn’t move around in the car during journeys.

You can also install the car seat just using the seatbelt, which is useful, especially if you plan on switching the seat between cars.

What are the key safety features of the Cybex Solution T i-Fix car seat?

There are 2 safety features on the Cybex seat that I really rated, and made me feel very reassured. The first is the linear side-impact protection system. These are extra ‘wings’ on either side of the seat that you pop out when you install it – Cybex claims that they increase safety if you are in an accident with side impact. The second feature is the patented reclining headrest which tilts your child’s head back slightly to prevent it from falling forward when they’re asleep, keeping it in a safer position at all times.

Does the Cybex Solution T i-Fix car seat have any unique features?

The reclining headrest is patented by Cybex and not something I'd seen before. I was sceptical about whether the reclining headrest would work, as with other seats my daughter’s head has often fallen forward when she fell asleep, but I was very impressed that when she fell asleep on a couple of long journeys her head did stay back.

The only issue is that you have to decide which position you want the headrest to be in, either reclining or upright. If you’re on a long journey your child is likely to be asleep some of the time and awake at others, so you have to predict when they’re likely to sleep and remember to recline it, then put it upright again next time. This is a bit fiddly, and another thing to remember when you’re setting off on a journey.

How comfortable was your child in the Solution T i-Fix car seat?

My daughter was very happy in the car seat, and keen to climb in. There's plenty of cushioning on the seat, which she said was nice and soft. She often fell asleep in it, which is a sign that she’s comfy, although not so good for danger naps!

Although we haven’t had any hot weather yet this year, the seat has a ventilation system designed to let air flow through, which I hope will help keep her cool and comfortable when it gets warmer.

How robust does the Cybex Solution T i-Fix car seat feel?

The car seat is solid and robust and looks great. We tested the Plus fabric option, which is textured and feels hardwearing, whilst also soft. It costs £25 more than the standard Comfort fabric and has a mesh-like material to make it more breathable – so less chance of a sweaty child during long car journeys.

How easy is the Cybex Solution T i-Fix car seat to clean?

Fairly easy. The covers can go in the washing machine at up to 30 degrees, which is handy. There are 5 parts to the cover that are attached to the seat with a combination of velcro, press studs and elastic bands, and I particularly like the fact that if one part of the cover gets dirty you don’t have to take off the whole thing.

My only concern is that although the textured Plus fabric seems to be hardwearing, it is harder to wipe clean than non-textured fabric, as dirt can get stuck in the waffles.

Is the Cybex Solution T i-Fix car seat easy to carry around?

Definitely. The car seat weighs 7.4kg, which feels light for such a sturdy, cushioned seat. It was easy enough to move in and out of the car, and for one person to carry around.

Is the Solution T i-Fix car seat big enough for a growing child?

I think so. The seat is designed to be suitable for approx. 3 – 12 year olds, and is made specifically to grow with your child. One of the features of the T i-Fix car seat is that as you move the headrest up, the seat automatically gets wider. I thought this was a great idea, and I’m hoping it’ll mean that my child still feels comfortable in it when she’s getting towards the top of the age range.

Are there any additional accessories that you can buy?

• Car Seat Cup Holder, £29.95
• Solution T-Line Summer Cover, £54.95

How does the Cybex Solution T i-Fix compare with other booster seats you’ve used?

We also have a high-backed booster that was a quarter of the price of the Cybex seat. Although they have both passed the relevant safety tests, for us the quality of the fabric, more cushioning, and the extra safety and comfort features make the Solution T i-Fix worth the additional cost, especially as it's a recent ADAC Test Winner.

What’s in the Cybex Solution T i-Fix car seat box?

• Solution T i-Fix Car Seat
• User guide

What did you think of the packaging?

The Solution T i-Fix car seat was wrapped in a big plastic bag secured with a plastic cable tie, inside a cardboard box. The big plastic bag felt unnecessary and we can’t recycle it, although we have recycled the cardboard box.

How sustainable is the Cybex Solution T i-Fix car seat?

I'm not sure – there is no mention of recycling or sustainability in the manual, or that I could find on the website.

Tell us about repair options if the Cybex Solution T i-Fix car seat breaks

The T i-Fix car seat comes with a 2-year warranty, however, Cybex says to contact whoever you bought the car seat from directly when it comes to repairs or replacement parts.

Now you’ve tested it, what would you have wanted to know before purchasing the Cybex Solution T i-Fix car seat?

I would have liked Cybex to have made it clearer that you have to decide whether you want the headrest in the upright or reclining position and adjust it yourself. When I first saw it was a feature of the seat I’d assumed that it automatically adjusted depending on the position of the child’s head.

I’d also like to have known where the instructions were!

Who would the Solution T i-Fix car seat be most useful for?

I'd say the target audience is a family wanting a smart-looking seat that looks good in their car, but who also value extra safety features. It’s also a good option for people whose child often falls asleep in the car and want them to be comfortable and safe, thanks to the reclining headrest. It's not the cheapest high-back booster seat on the market by any means, but it's definitely premium quality and designed to last a long time.

Is the Cybex Solution T i-Fix car seat worth the money?

At just under £200, this product is on the more expensive side for a car seat, but for me, it is worth the investment because of how smart it looks and the extra safety features. It has lots of useful features like height and width adjustment, reclining headrest and breathable material, which really helps to justify the higher cost. I’m also confident that it will last for many years as my child grows.

Where can I buy the Cybex Solution T i-Fix car seat?

Available at Cybex, John Lewis and Halfords.

MadeForMums verdict

I was really impressed with the Cybex Solution T i-Fix car seat, so much so I'm planning to buy a second for my other child. I felt reassured by the extra safety features, I am confident that it will last for years (it boasts a 9-year life span!) and love how smart it looks in my car. But when I buy a second seat I’ll probably stick to the regular Comfort fabric (£174.95), rather than the Plus textured one, as I think it’ll be easier to clean, even if it doesn't have the same breathability features. I’d 100% recommend the product to anyone who wants to invest in a car seat that not only prioritises safety but also looks good.