We tested the car seat using our car’s 3-point seatbelt as well as with the ISOFIX base. In both situations we found the car seat easy to fit, following the clear instructions provided. When set up with the ISOFIX base, the seat is very sturdy, however because the base is substantial in its own right, we found the seat and base combination made for a slightly tight squeeze when tested in the rear seat of an Audi A3.
When tested with the 3-point seatbelt, the Recaro Young Expert Plus was easily fitted, secure and had none of the space issues above.
What we love
We tested Recaro Young Expert Plus car seat with our second child, Ben, who is no waif. Luckily the seat’s generous proportions combined with simple adjustment mechanisms have ensured it’s been flexible and easy to use from the outset. The recline position can be easily altered using the seat base and there are three belt height settings, ensuring the seat grows with your child.
The seat comes in choice of eight different cloth and colour options, and all covers are easily removed and machine washable - a feature we’ve been thankful for on more than one occasion! Also, for all those mums and dads who want their children to be seen in a marque car seat brand you can’t go far wrong with this one and its stylish looks and broad range of colour options.
The substantial nature of this seat makes you feel safe in the knowledge that there’s good protection for your child and the generous padding and luxurious fabric makes for a very comfortable ride.
The harness is easily adjusted depending upon what your child’s wearing - a godsend for those winter journeys when the thickness of clothing varies on a daily basis.
What to watch out for
Some might find the Recaro Young Expert Plus a bit heavy, weighing in at 11kg, but there’s not a lot more wrong with it if you’re not planning on going down the ISOFIX route.
However, if you are going for the ISOFIX option, the base and seat combination may be too bulky for smaller cars and with the base priced around £70, the overall cost rises substantially too. There’s also a slightly annoying tendency for the ISOFIX base to rattle when the car seat is empty.
Who is the Recaro Young Expert Plus car seat best for?
Mums and dads who want a quality, stylish, generously proportioned seat that’s safe and easy to use.
The Recaro Young Expert Plus is a well-built, easily installed and comfortable car seat that has plenty of room for the larger child. If you have a small vehicle, you might decide its better to leave the optional ISOFIX base out of the equation.
