Although compact and lightweight, a lot of thought has obviously gone into the design of every element, with ergonomic soft foam handles, a handy shopping basket, swivel front wheels and linked brakes, which are very easy to operate with a quick flick of the toe.
There are also some cool new colours for the Quest - black/silver, medieval blue/scarlet and charcoal/mocha bisque.
What we love
The Maclaren Quest is ready to go straight out of the box. In fact, it’s the first buggy I’ve tried that doesn’t leave me puzzled. I’m up and running quickly, thanks to the easy-to-understand instruction booklet that only takes minutes to read.
One of the greatest things about the Quest is that it’s suitable from birth, but also has enough room for a large toddler. I try it with a large 3-year-old who usually finds the harness on a stroller a bit tight. However, the Quest’s one is big enough and very comfortable.
The extendable leg rest grows with your baby, and clever accessories such as the expandable footmuff give it a luxury feel.
The buggy passes the crowded bus test on its first outing. It’s light to lift on the bus, narrow enough to fit into a small space and quick to fold. Another plus is how easy it is to carry - it’s only 6.1kg and has a handy strap so you can sling it over your shoulder.
I can’t help comparing the Quest to my beloved Micralite Fastfold, and although it doesn’t have the ‘designer’ look, the Quest is narrower and easier to carry.
After going through every transport option with a newborn and toddler (from Phil & Teds to buggy board and more), the Quest is the best solution so far. It works well for my toddler if my baby’s in a sling, but can quickly be reclined for my newborn if my toddler wants to walk.
What to watch out for
At times, the Quest can offer a bit of a bumpy ride, so I don’t really feel comfortable with it in newborn mode for a long journey. I prefer something a bit smoother for the little one, but it’s fine for a toddler. I suppose it’s the weigh-up for the Quest being such a lightweight model.
Who is the Maclaren Quest (2012 model) best for?
Anyone who needs complete flexibility from a buggy – be it suitability for a range of ages, lightness for get on and off public transport or ease of folding to pop in the car.
The revamped Quest is a lightweight, compact stroller that’s incredibly easy to use. The slightly bumpy ride is a small price to pay for the amount of flexibility it offers if you have a baby and toddler, but want to travel light. This is an ideal buggy for public transport users.
