Analysis of ADAC Car Seat Tests (May 2025) – Gotu.pt Perspective
At Gotu.pt, the safety of children is our passion and our commitment. We are proud to share the latest analysis from 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 the 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 Tests and ACS Analysis
The ADAC (German Automobile Club) tests are a European benchmark due to 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 the maximum possible protection . They advocate:
- Extended Rear-Facing: Ideally up to 6-7 years old. It's up to 5 times safer.
- Dangers of Forward-Facing (FF) 5-Point Harness: Not recommended for children who could already use a booster seat with a 3-point seatbelt. After rear-facing, the transition should be to a booster seat with the vehicle's 3-point seatbelt.
- Skepticism regarding Front Shields (with or without Airbag): Not recommended.
ADAC Results May 2025: Detailed ACS Analysis
Below are the models tested by ADAC, with their respective classifications and the ACS technical opinion. For models available on Gotu.com, we have added a table of key features.
Avionaut Pixel Pro 2.0 C
Type: "Egg" Car Seat (Rear-facing) | Height: 40-86 cm
ADAC May 2025 (no baseline): Safety 1.7 (Good) | Handling 4.1 (Sufficient) | Ergonomics 1.9 (Good) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | ADAC Global: 3.3 (Satisfactory)
ADAC Review: The Pixel Pro 2.0 C is an extremely lightweight infant car seat. In rear-facing mode, like all seats in this group, it offers good protection ("Good" safety rating). The ADAC's overall "Satisfactory" rating, when tested without an ISOFIX base, is mainly due to the handling assessment. Use with the IQ Orbit base improves this aspect.
Avionaut Pixel Pro 2.0 C + IQ Orbit
Type: "Egg" (Rear-facing) Car Seat 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) | Global ADAC: 2.1 (Good)
ACS Review: With the IQ Orbit base, the Pixel Pro 2.0 C significantly improves in ease of installation and stability. An excellent option for newborns, ensuring the correct and secure position when rear-facing.
Britax Römer Advanced Pro
Type: Forward-Facing Convertible Car Seat | Height: 76-150 cm (Harness up to 102cm/21kg, then vehicle seatbelt)
ADAC May 2025: Safety 2.6 (Satisfactory) | Handling 2.6 (Good) | Ergonomics 2.2 (Satisfactory) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | ADAC Global: 2.8 (Satisfactory)
ACS Review: MAXIMUM ALERT! NOT RECOMMENDED. The Advansafix Pro allows the use of a forward-facing 5-point harness up to 102cm. The ACS DOES NOT RECOMMEND the use of a forward-facing 5-point harness. Rear-facing should be prioritized for as long as possible (ideally until 6-7 years). When the child transitions to forward-facing (as late as possible, after 125cm and never before 4 years, but rear-facing is recommended until 7 years if possible), a booster seat with the vehicle's 3-point seatbelt should be used.
Britax Römer Kidfix Pro M
Type: Lift-up stool with backrest (forward-facing) | Height: 100-150 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 3.1 | Handling 1.9 | Ergonomics 2.0 | Pollutants 1.0 | ADAC Global: 2.7 (Satisfactory)
ACS Review: A booster seat with a backrest that uses the vehicle's 3-point seatbelt. This is the recommended configuration for older children (generally from 100-125cm and a minimum of 4 years old, but rear-facing is recommended until age 7 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: Convertible Car Seat (Rear-facing / Forward-facing) | Height: 40-105 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 2.9 (Satisfactory) | Handling 3.2 (Satisfactory) | Ergonomics 2.6 (Satisfactory) | Pollutants 1.0 (Good) | ADAC Global: 3.1 (Satisfactory)
ACS Analysis: RECOMMENDED WITH CONDITIONS by the ACS. This car seat allows for rear-facing and forward-facing use. The ACS recommends its use EXCLUSIVELY IN REAR-FACING up to the seat's maximum capacity (105cm). If used forward-facing with a 5-point harness: NOT RECOMMENDED .
Cybex Anoris T2 i-Size (Front Shield with Airbag)
Type: Forward-facing seat with front shield and airbag | Height: 76-125 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 1.3 (Very Good) | Handling 1.7 (Satisfactory) | Ergonomics 2.6 (Good) | Pollutants 4.1 (Sufficient - presence of PFAS) | ADAC Global: 2.8 (Satisfactory)
ACS Review: NOT RECOMMENDED! Despite ADAC assigning a "Very Good" safety rating in frontal impact, the ACS maintains a position of total distrust and non-recommendation regarding car seats with frontal shields, including those with airbags, for the following reasons: failures in rollover tests, interaction of the airbag with the child, promotion of early forward turning and, in this case, the presence of harmful substances (PFAS).
Cybex G2 Solution
Type: Lift-up stool with backrest (forward-facing) | Height: 100-150 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 2.3 (Good) | Handling 1.8 (Good) | Ergonomics 1.9 (Good) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Global ADAC: 2.1 (Good)
ACS Review: A booster seat with a backrest that received good ratings. It uses the vehicle's 3-point seatbelt, making it a recommended option for older children.
Graco Turn2Me DLX i-Size R129
Type: Rotating, Evolutionary Chair (Rear-facing / Forward-facing) | Height: 40-105 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 2.1 (Satisfactory) | Handling 2.8 (Good) | Ergonomics 2.3 (Good) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Overall ADAC: 2.4 (Good)
ACS Analysis: RECOMMENDED WITH CONDITIONS by the ACS. Rotating chairs offer convenience. This chair must be used EXCLUSIVELY IN REAR-FACING mode up to its limit (105cm). The forward rotation function with a 5-point harness is not recommended.
Joie i-Trillo FX
Type: Lift-up stool with backrest (forward-facing) | Height: 100-150 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 2.5 (Good) | Handling 2.1 (Good) | Ergonomics 2.3 (Good) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Global ADAC: 2.3 (Good)
ACS Review: Good booster seat option with backrest. ADAC ratings are positive.
Main features (Gotu.pt - Joie i-Trillo FX):
| Safety Standard: | R129/03 (Size) |
| Child's Height: | 100 cm to 150 cm |
| Maximum Indicative Weight: | 36 kg |
| Approximate Age: | From approximately 4 years old to approximately 12 years old. |
| Installation: | ISOFIX + Vehicle Seatbelt or Vehicle Seatbelt Only |
| March board of directors: | Exclusively in Favor of the March |
| Isofix system: | Yes (Rigid Connectors) |
| Rotation: | No |
| Witness the Swedes; | Not applicable |
| ADAC Test (Product Reference): | (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 seatbelt guides |
Joy Sprint
Type: "Egg" Car Seat (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) | Global ADAC: 1.8 (Good)
ACS Analysis: A baby seat with good overall performance in ADAC tests. Exclusively in rear-facing mode.
Main Features (Gotu.pt - Joie Sprint):
| Safety Standard: | ECE R129/03 (i-Size) |
| Child's Height: | 40 cm to 75 cm |
| Maximum Indicative Weight: | Approximately 30 pounds |
| Approximate Age: | From birth to approximately 12 months |
| Installation in the Car: | Direct ISOFIX (Integrated Connectors) OR Joie ISOFIX compatible base* (i-Base Encore / i-Base lx 2 - sold separately) |
| March board of directors: | Exclusively against March (facing backwards) |
| Isofix system: | Yes (Integrated or via Base*) |
| Rotation: | Yes, 90° (Only with i-Base™ Encore*) |
| Witness the Swedes; | No |
| ADAC Test (Product Reference): | (ADAC May 2025: Global 1.8 - Good) |
| Head Protection: | Tri-Proteger™ |
| Head/Harness 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: Rotating, Evolutionary Chair (Rear-facing / Forward-facing) | Height: 40-105 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 2.1 (Satisfactory) | Handling 2.8 (Good) | Ergonomics 2.3 (Good) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Overall ADAC: 2.4 (Good)
ACS Analysis: RECOMMENDED WITH CONDITIONS by the ACS. Must be used EXCLUSIVELY in the rear-facing position up to 105cm. We do not recommend its use facing forward 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 approximately 4 years old. |
| Installation: | ISOFIX + Support Leg (energy absorber) |
| Direction of the March: |
Rear travel: 40 cm - 105 cm (Maximum recommended) Height: 76 cm (min. 15 months) - 105 cm (Gotu.pt recommends keeping the child facing backward for as long as possible, ideally up to 105 cm.) Includes SmartRide™ lock-off system. |
| Isofix system: | Yes (10-position connectors) |
| Supporting 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 (Product Reference): | Yes (Rating "Good" - 2.4, ADAC Test 10/2023) |
| Chair Weight: | 10.97 kg |
Lionelo Braam i-Size
Type: Convertible Car Seat (Rear-facing / Forward-facing) | Height: 40-150 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 3.7 (Satisfactory) | Handling 3.3 (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 warning sign. If you allow the use of a forward-facing 5-point harness, this configuration is strongly discouraged.
Maxi-Cosi Pearl S + FamilyFix S
Type: Convertible Car Seat (Rear-facing / Forward-facing) with ISOFIX Base | Height: 61-105 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 2.4 (Good) | Handling 2.9 (Good) | Ergonomics 2.2 (Satisfactory) | Pollutants 1.7 (Good) | ADAC Global: 2.7 (Satisfactory)
ACS Analysis: RECOMMENDED WITH CONDITIONS by the ACS. Use EXCLUSIVELY in the rear-facing position up to a maximum of 105cm. Avoid forward-facing use with a 5-point harness.
Maxi-Cosi Pebble S
Type: "Egg" Car Seat (Rear-facing) | Height: 40-83 cm
ADAC May 2025 (no baseline): Safety 1.8 (Good) | Handling 3.3 (Satisfactory) | Ergonomics 2.0 (Good) | Pollutants 1.5 (Good) | ADAC Global: 2.7 (Satisfactory)
ACS Review: A safe infant car seat (Safety "Good"). For rear-facing use only. The less positive overall ADAC rating is due to the seatbelt installation (without a base).
Maxi-Cosi Pebble S + FamilyFix S
Type: "Egg" (Rear-facing) Car Seat 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 Review: With the FamilyFix S base, Pebble S achieves an overall "Good" rating. An excellent option for newborns, always in the counter-gear position.
Nuna Pipa Lite + Base Next
Type: "Egg" (Rear-facing) Car Seat 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) | Global ADAC: 2.0 (Good)
ACS Review: Good option for an "egg" car seat with a base, good results in ADAC tests. Lightweight and safe for the first few months, always rear-facing.
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 approximately 15 months. |
| Installation in the Car: | Vehicle 3-point seatbelt OR BASE™ next* (ISOFIX - sold separately) |
| Direction of the March: | Exclusively Rear-Facing |
| Isofix system: | Yes (via BASE™ next*) |
| Rotation: | Yes (via BASE™ next*) |
| Swedish Plus Test: | No |
| ADAC Test (Product Reference): | ✅ Yes (4 Stars / Good) * (Pipa Next tested with BASE™ next - ADAC May 2025 for Pipa Lite + Base Next: Global 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/Harness Adjustment: | 7 Positions (simultaneous adjustment with 1 hand) |
| Extras: | Compatible with NEXT system™, Dream drape™, Merino Wool/TENCEL™ fabrics, TUV Aircraft certified. |
| *Notice: | Isofix, Rotation, and ADAC Rating features refer to use with BASE™ next (sold separately). |
Osann Flux Isofix
Type: Forward-Facing Convertible Car Seat | Height: 76-150 cm (Harness up to approx. 100cm, then vehicle seatbelt)
ADAC May 2025: Safety 3.2 (Satisfactory) | Handling 3.3 (Good) | Ergonomics 2.3 (Satisfactory) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | ADAC Global: 3.2 (Satisfactory)
ACS Review: MAXIMUM ALERT! NOT RECOMMENDED. Similar to the Advansafix Pro, this car seat allows the use of a 5-point harness facing forward. ACS and Gotu.br DO NOT RECOMMEND this configuration. Rear-facing should be extended to the maximum. For forward-facing use (as late as possible, never before 4 years old, but rear-facing is recommended until 7 years old if possible), only with the vehicle's 3-point seatbelt in booster seat mode.
Recaro Axion 1
Type: Lift-up stool with backrest (forward-facing) | Height: 100-150 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 2.5 (Good) | Handling 1.7 (Good) | Ergonomics 2.1 (Good) | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | Global ADAC: 2.1 (Good)
ACS Analysis: A booster seat with a backrest that demonstrates good performance 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 the March: | Exclusively in Favor of the Forward-Facing March |
| Isofix system: | Yes (integrated connectors for stability) |
| Side Protection: | Advanced Trapezoidal System |
| Chair Weight: | 5.9 kg (Ultralight) |
| Origin: | Made in Germany |
| ADAC Test (Product Reference): | (ADAC May 2025: Global 2.1 - Good) |
Thule Elm + Alfi Base
Type: Convertible Car Seat (Rear-facing / Forward-facing) with ISOFIX Base | Height: 67-105 cm
ADAC May 2025: Safety 3.0 | Handling 2.4 | Ergonomics 2.3 | Pollutants 1.0 (Very Good) | ADAC Global: 2.8 (Satisfactory)
ACS Analysis: RECOMMENDED WITH CONDITIONS by the ACS. Use EXCLUSIVELY in REAR-FACING (RWF) . The Elm RWF version (see below) performs better. If this allows for forward turning with a harness, we do not recommend this configuration.
Thule Elm RWF + Alfi Base
Type: Rear-facing car seat 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) | Global ADAC: 2.2 (Good)
ACS Analysis: This version, exclusively in reverse (RWF) mode, proves to be a safe and high-performing option. Prolonged reverse driving is always our top recommendation.
Crucial Alerts (ACS)
Regardless of the test results, we reiterate the key messages:
- ✓ TOP 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 TO FORWARD-FACING 5-POINT HARNESS (FF): When a child transitions to forward-facing travel (as late as possible, never before age 4, but rear-facing is recommended until age 7 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.com.br?
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, favoring those that meet the highest safety standards, such as those promoted by the ACS.
- Personalized advice available in our store in Barcelos or online.
- Wide range of car seats that allow for extended rear-facing driving.
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Commitment to best practices in child safety.