ADAC Car Seat Test Analysis (May 2025) – Gotu.pt Perspective
At Gotu.pt, the safety of children is our passion and our commitment. We proudly share the latest analysis by ACS (Associação Criança Segura) on ADAC car seat tests (May 2025), as their philosophy of safety and rigor aligns deeply with our values.
This article, originally published by ACS and shared here with their permission, offers a critical look at the results.
Original article from ACS (Associação Criança Segura). Adapted and supplemented by Gotu.pt with permission.
The Importance of ADAC Testing and ACS Analysis
The ADAC (German Automobile Club) tests are a European benchmark for their rigorous methodology. They assess impact safety, ease of use, ergonomics, and the presence of harmful substances.
ACS complements these results with its experience and in-depth knowledge. The focus is always on maximum protection . They advocate:
- Extended Rear-March: Ideal for ages 6-7. Up to 5 times safer.
- Dangers of the Forward-Facing (FF) 5-Point Harness: Not recommended for children who could already use a booster seat with a 3-point belt. After rear-facing, the transition should be to a booster seat with the vehicle's 3-point belt.
- Skepticism with Front Shields (with or without Airbag): Not recommended.
ADAC Results May 2025: Detailed ACS Analysis
Below, we present the models tested by ADAC, along with their respective ratings and the ACS technical report. For models available on Gotu.pt, we've added a table of key features.
Avionaut Pixel Pro 2.0 C
Type: Egg Chair (Rear-Facing) | Height: 40-86 cm
ADAC May 2025 (no basis): Safety 1.7 (Good) | Handling 4.1 (Sufficient) | Ergonomics 1.9 (Good) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Overall ADAC: 3.3 (Satisfactory)
ACS Analysis: The Pixel Pro 2.0 C is an extremely lightweight infant car seat. Like all seats in this group, it offers good rear-facing protection (Safety "Good"). The overall ADAC rating of "Satisfactory" when tested without an ISOFIX base is primarily due to the handling assessment. Use with the IQ Orbit base improves this aspect.
Avionaut Pixel Pro 2.0 C + IQ Orbit
Type: Egg Seat (Rear-Facing) with ISOFIX Base | Height: 40-86 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 1.9 (Good) | Handling 2.3 (Good) | Ergonomics 1.9 (Good) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Overall ADAC: 2.1 (Good)
ACS Analysis: With the IQ Orbit base, the Pixel Pro 2.0 C significantly improves ease of installation and stability. An excellent option for newborns, ensuring the correct and safe rear-facing position.
Britax Römer Advansafix Pro
Type: Forward-Facing Evolutionary Chair | Height: 76-150 cm (Harness up to 102 cm/21 kg, then vehicle seat belt)
ADAC May 2025: Safety 2.6 (Satisfactory) | Handling 2.2 (Good) | Ergonomics 2.9 (Satisfactory) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Overall ADAC: 2.8 (Satisfactory)
ACS Analysis: MAXIMUM ALERT! WE DO NOT RECOMMEND. The Advansafix Pro allows the use of a 5-point harness in a forward-facing position up to 102 cm. ACS DOES NOT RECOMMEND the use of a 5-point harness in a forward-facing position. Rear-facing should be preferred for as long as possible (ideally until 6-7 years). When the child transitions to forward-facing (as late as possible, after 125 cm and never before 4 years, but rear-facing is recommended up to 7 years if possible), they should use a booster seat with the vehicle's 3-point seat belt.
Britax Römer Kidfix Pro M
Type: Booster Seat with Backrest (Forward Facing) | Height: 100-150 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 1.9 (Good) | Handling 2.0 (Good) | Ergonomics 2.0 (Good) | Pollutants 2.7 (Satisfactory) | Overall ADAC: 2.7 (Satisfactory)
ACS Analysis: A booster seat with a backrest that uses the vehicle's 3-point seat belt. This is the recommended configuration for older children (generally from 100-125cm and at least 4 years old, but rear-facing is recommended up to 7 years old if possible) when they no longer travel rear-facing. The ADAC's overall "Satisfactory" rating is influenced by the pollutant rating (2.7), which, while acceptable, is not ideal.
Chicco Seat105 i-Size
Type: Evolutionary Chair (Rear-Facing / Forward-Facing) | Height: 40-105 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 2.9 (Satisfactory) | Handling 2.6 (Satisfactory) | Ergonomics 3.2 (Satisfactory) | Pollutants 2.0 (Good) | Overall ADAC: 3.1 (Satisfactory)
ACS Analysis: RECOMMENDED WITH CONDITIONS by ACS. This seat allows for rear-facing and forward-facing use. ACS recommends its use EXCLUSIVELY REAR-FACING up to the seat's limit (105cm). If used forward-facing with the 5-point harness: WE DO NOT RECOMMEND .
Cybex Anoris T2 i-Size (Front Shield with Airbag)
Type: Forward-Facing Chair with Front Shield and Airbag | Height: 76-125 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 1.3 (Very Good) | Handling 2.6 (Satisfactory) | Ergonomics 1.7 (Good) | Pollutants 4.1 (Sufficient - presence of PFAS) | Overall ADAC: 2.8 (Satisfactory)
ACS Analysis: NOT RECOMMENDED! Although ADAC gives a "Very Good" safety rating in frontal impact, ACS maintains a position of complete distrust and non-recommended regarding seats with frontal shields, including those with airbags, for the following reasons: failed rollover tests, airbag interaction with the child, promoting premature forward facing, and, in this case, the presence of harmful substances (PFAS).
Cybex Solution G2
Type: Booster Seat with Backrest (Forward Facing) | Height: 100-150 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 1.8 (Good) | Handling 1.9 (Good) | Ergonomics 1.9 (Good) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Overall ADAC: 2.1 (Good)
ACS Review: A booster seat with a backrest that received good ratings. It uses the vehicle's 3-point seat belt, making it a recommended option for older children.
Graco Turn2Me DLX i-Size R129
Type: Evolving Rotating Chair (Rear-Facing / Forward-Facing) | Height: 40-105 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 2.8 (Satisfactory) | Handling 2.3 (Good) | Ergonomics 2.3 (Good) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Overall ADAC: 2.4 (Good)
ACS Analysis: RECOMMENDED WITH CONDITIONS by ACS. Swivel chairs offer convenience. This chair should ONLY be used REAR-FACING up to its limit (105 cm). The forward-facing function with a 5-point harness is not recommended.
Joie i-Trillo FX
Type: Booster Seat with Backrest (Forward Facing) | Height: 100-150 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 2.1 (Good) | Handling 2.3 (Good) | Ergonomics 2.3 (Good) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Overall ADAC: 2.3 (Good)
ACS Analysis: Good booster seat option with backrest. ADAC ratings are positive.
Main Features (Gotu.pt - Joie i-Trillo FX):
| Safety Standard: | R129/03 (i-Size) |
| Child's Height: | 100 cm to 150 cm |
| Maximum Indicative Weight: | 36 kg |
| Approximate Age: | From ~4 years old to ~12 years old |
| Installation: | ISOFIX + Vehicle Belt or Vehicle Belt Only |
| Direction of March: | Exclusively in Favor of the March |
| Isofix System: | Yes (Rigid Connectors) |
| Rotation: | No |
| Swedish Plus Test: | Not applicable |
| ADAC Test (Reference Product): | (ADAC May 2025: Global 2.3 - Good) |
| Head Adjustment: | 10 Positions |
| Side Protection: | Guard Surround Safety™ Panels (Removable) |
| Chair Weight: | Approx. 5.72 kg |
| Extras: | 2 Retractable cup holders, Colored belt guides |
Joie Sprint
Type: Egg Chair (Rear-Facing) | Height: 40-75 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 1.8 (Good) | Handling 1.8 (Good) | Ergonomics 1.8 (Good) | Pollutants 2.0 (Good) | Overall ADAC: 1.8 (Good)
ACS Analysis: A baby seat with good overall performance in ADAC tests. Exclusively in rear-facing position.
Main Features (Gotu.pt - Joie Sprint):
| Safety Standard: | ECE R129/03 (i-Size) |
| Child's Height: | 40 cm to 75 cm |
| Maximum Indicative Weight: | Approx. 13 kg |
| Approximate Age: | From birth to ~12 months |
| Car Installation: | Direct ISOFIX (Integrated Connectors) OR compatible Joie ISOFIX Base* (i-Base Encore / i-Base lx 2 - sold separately) |
| Direction of March: | Exclusively Rear-Facing |
| Isofix System: | Yes (Integrated or via Base*) |
| Rotation: | Yes, 90° (Only with i-Base™ Encore*) |
| Swedish Plus Test: | No |
| ADAC Test (Reference Product): | (ADAC May 2025: Global 1.8 - Good) |
| Head Protection: | Tri-Protect™ |
| Head/Headgear Adjustment: | Yes (Grow Together™ System implied) |
| Egg Weight: | Approx. 4.7 kg |
| Extras: | ISOFIX installation without base, Compatible with Encore System*, UPF50+ water-repellent canopy, Reducer, Curved base for rocking |
| *Notice: | ISOFIX bases (Encore/lx 2) sold separately. Rotation only with i-Base™ Encore. |
Joie i-Pivot 360
Type: Evolving Rotating Chair (Rear-Facing / Forward-Facing) | Height: 40-105 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 2.8 (Satisfactory) | Handling 2.3 (Good) | Ergonomics 2.3 (Good) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Overall ADAC: 2.4 (Good)
ACS Analysis: RECOMMENDED WITH CONDITIONS by ACS. Should be used EXCLUSIVELY REAR-FACING up to 105cm. We do not recommend using it forward-facing with a 5-point harness.
Main Features (Gotu.pt - Joie i-Pivot 360):
| Safety Standard: | ECE R129/03 (i-Size) |
| Child's Height: | 40 cm to 105 cm |
| Approximate Age: | From birth to ~4 years |
| Installation: | ISOFIX + Support Leg (energy absorbing) |
| Direction of March: |
Rearward facing: 40 cm - 105 cm (Recommended as much as possible) Walking Length: 76 cm (min. 15 months) - 105 cm (Gotu.pt recommends keeping the child rear-facing for as long as possible, ideally until 105 cm.) Includes SmartRide™ lock-off system. |
| Isofix System: | Yes (10-position connectors) |
| Support Leg: | Yes |
| Rotation: | Yes, 360° (with Simple Swivel™ activator) |
| Reclining: | Yes (5 positions) |
| Side Protection: | Yes ( Tri-Protect™ headrest with Intelli-Fit™ memory foam) |
| Headrest: | Adjustable in 6 positions ( Grow Together™ System) |
| ADAC Test (Reference Product): | Yes (Rating ""Good"" - 2.4, ADAC Test 10/2023) |
| Chair Weight: | 10.97 kg |
Lionelo Braam i-Size
Type: Evolutionary Chair (Rear-Facing / Forward-Facing) | Height: 40-150 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 3.3 (Satisfactory) | Handling 2.6 (Satisfactory) | Ergonomics 2.6 (Satisfactory) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Overall ADAC: 3.6 (Sufficient)
ACS Analysis: NOT RECOMMENDED. ADAC ratings, especially the overall "Sufficient" (3.6), are a red flag. If it allows the use of a forward-facing 5-point harness, this configuration is strongly discouraged.
Maxi-Cosi Pearl S + FamilyFix S
Type: Evolutionary Chair (Rear-Facing / Forward-Facing) with ISOFIX Base | Height: 61-105 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 2.4 (Good) | Handling 2.2 (Good) | Ergonomics 2.9 (Satisfactory) | Pollutants 1.7 (Good) | Overall ADAC: 2.7 (Satisfactory)
ACS Analysis: RECOMMENDED WITH CONDITIONS by ACS. Use EXCLUSIVELY IN REAR-FACING position up to a limit of 105 cm. Avoid forward-facing use with a 5-point harness.
Maxi-Cosi Pebble S
Type: Egg Chair (Rear-Facing) | Height: 40-83 cm
ADAC May 2025 (no basis): Safety 1.8 (Good) | Handling 3.3 (Satisfactory) | Ergonomics 2.0 (Good) | Pollutants 1.5 (Good) | Overall ADAC: 2.7 (Satisfactory)
ACS Analysis: A safe baby seat (Safety "Good"). For rear-facing use only. The less positive overall rating from ADAC is due to the seat belt installation (without a base).
Maxi-Cosi Pebble S + FamilyFix S
Type: Egg Seat (Rear-Facing) with ISOFIX Base | Height: 40-83 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 1.7 (Good) | Handling 1.9 (Good) | Ergonomics 2.1 (Good) | Pollutants 1.5 (Good) | Overall ADAC: 1.8 (Good)
ACS Analysis: With the FamilyFix S base, the Pebble S achieves an overall "Good" rating. An excellent option for newborns, always rear-facing.
Nuna Pipa Lite + Next Base
Type: Egg Seat (Rear-Facing) with ISOFIX Base | Height: 40-83 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 2.1 (Good) | Handling 2.0 (Good) | Ergonomics 1.9 (Good) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Overall ADAC: 2.0 (Good)
ACS Analysis: Good option for an egg-shaped seat with a base, good results in ADAC tests. Lightweight and safe for the first few months, always facing backward.
Main Features (Gotu.pt - Nuna Pipa Next):
| Safety Standard: | ECE R129 (i-Size) |
| Child's Height: | 40 cm to 83 cm |
| Maximum Weight: | 13 kg |
| Approximate Age: | From birth to ~15 months |
| Car Installation: | Vehicle 3-point belt OR BASE™ next* (ISOFIX - sold separately) |
| Direction of March: | Exclusively Rear-Facing |
| Isofix System: | Yes (through BASE™ next*) |
| Rotation: | Yes (through BASE™ next*) |
| Swedish Plus Test: | No |
| ADAC Test (Reference Product): | ✅ Yes (4 Stars / Good) * (Pipa Next tested with BASE™ next - ADAC May 2025 for Pipa Lite + Base Next: Overall 2.0 - Good) |
| Egg Weight*: | Approx. 2.8 kg (*without reducer/hood) |
| Head Protection: | Tailor tech™ Memory Foam |
| Side Protection: | SIP System with EPP Foam |
| Head/Headgear Adjustment: | 7 Positions (simultaneous adjustment with 1 hand) |
| Extras: | Compatible with NEXT system™, Dream drape™, Merino Wool/TENCEL™ fabrics, TUV Aircraft Certification |
| *Notice: | Isofix, Rotation and ADAC-rated functionality refers to use with BASE™ next (sold separately). |
Osann Flux Isofix
Type: Forward-Facing Evolutionary Chair | Height: 76-150 cm (Harness up to approx. 100 cm, then vehicle seat belt)
ADAC May 2025: Safety 3.2 (Satisfactory) | Handling 2.3 (Good) | Ergonomics 3.3 (Satisfactory) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Overall ADAC: 3.2 (Satisfactory)
ACS Analysis: MAXIMUM ALERT! NOT RECOMMENDED. Similar to the Advansafix Pro, this seat allows the use of a 5-point forward-facing harness. ACS and Gotu.pt DO NOT RECOMMEND this configuration. Rear-facing should be extended as much as possible. For forward-facing use (as late as possible, never before age 4, but rear-facing is recommended up to age 7 if possible), only use the vehicle's 3-point seat belt in booster seat mode.
Recaro Axion 1
Type: Booster Seat with Backrest (Forward Facing) | Height: 100-150 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 1.7 (Good) | Handling 2.1 (Good) | Ergonomics 2.1 (Good) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Overall ADAC: 2.1 (Good)
ACS Analysis: A booster seat with a backrest that performs well in ADAC tests, making it a safe and recommended option for older children.
Main Features (Gotu.pt - Recaro Axion 1):
| Safety Standard: | R129 EU |
| Child's Height: | 100 cm to 150 cm |
| Approximate Age: | ~3 years to ~12 years |
| Installation: | ISOFIX connectors + 3-point vehicle seat belt |
| Direction of March: | Exclusively Forward-Facing |
| Isofix System: | Yes (integrated connectors for stability) |
| Side Protection: | Advanced Trapezoidal System |
| Chair Weight: | 5.9 kg (Ultralight) |
| Origin: | Made in Germany |
| ADAC Test (Reference Product): | (ADAC May 2025: Global 2.1 - Good) |
Thule Elm + Alfi Base
Type: Evolutionary Chair (Rear-Facing / Forward-Facing) with ISOFIX Base | Height: 67-105 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 3.0 (Satisfactory) | Handling 2.4 (Good) | Ergonomics 2.3 (Good) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Overall ADAC: 2.8 (Satisfactory)
ACS Analysis: RECOMMENDED WITH CONDITIONS by ACS. Use ONLY IN REAR-FACING (RWF) . The Elm RWF version (see below) produces better results. If it allows forward facing with a harness, we do not recommend this configuration.
Thule Elm RWF + Alfi Base
Type: Exclusively Rear-Facing Chair with ISOFIX Base | Height: 67-105 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 2.2 (Good) | Handling 2.2 (Good) | Ergonomics 2.3 (Good) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Overall ADAC: 2.2 (Good)
ACS Analysis: This version, exclusively in rear-facing mode (RWF), proves to be a safe and high-performance option. Extended rear-facing mode is always our top recommendation.
Critical Alerts (ACS)
Regardless of the test results, we reinforce the key messages:
- ✓ PRIORITY TO REAR-FACING: Children should travel rear-facing (RF) for as long as possible, ideally until they are 6-7 years old. It is up to 5 times safer.
- ✗ NO 5-POINT HARNESS FORWARD-FACING (FF): When a child transitions to traveling facing forward (as late as possible, never before 4 years, but rear-facing is recommended up to 7 years if possible), they must use a booster seat with a backrest and the vehicle's 3-point seat belt.
- ✗ FRONT SHIELDS (WITH OR WITHOUT AIRBAG) – NOT RECOMMENDED: ACS does not recommend seats with front shields. Their safety in complex scenarios, such as rollovers, is not guaranteed.
Why Buy from Gotu.pt?
At Gotu.pt, we don't just sell products; we offer expert advice and a commitment to your child's safety. We carefully select our brands and models, prioritizing those that meet the highest safety standards, such as those promoted by the ACS.
- Personalized advice in our store in Barcelos or online.
- Wide range of car seats that allow prolonged rear-facing.
- Commitment to best child safety practices.