Analysis of ADAC Car Seat Tests (October 2025) – Perspective by Gotu.pt and ACS
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 (October 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: Not recommended, even with airbags.
ADAC Results October 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.
Chipolino Olympus i-Size
Type: Rotating Evolutionary Chair (40-150 cm) | ADAC Global: 5.5 (INSUFFICIENT)
ADAC October 2025: Safety 5.5 | Handling 3.8 | Ergonomics 2.0 | Pollutants 4.7
ACS Analysis: CATASTROPHIC FAILURE! DO NOT BUY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. This car seat suffered a very serious failure in the rear-facing frontal impact test: the seat completely detached from its base, projecting the mannequin. Very high risk of injury. Furthermore, the pollutant rating is inadequate ("mangelhaft"). A product to be avoided at all costs.
Reecle 360 (ZA10 i-Size)
Type: Rotating Evolutionary Chair (40-150 cm) | ADAC Global: 5.0 (INSUFFICIENT)
ADAC October 2025: Safety 5.0 | Handling 3.7 | Ergonomics 2.5 | Pollutants 1.0
ACS Analysis: CATASTROPHIC FAILURE! DO NOT BUY. Just like the Chipolino model, this car seat suffered a very serious structural failure in the rear-facing frontal impact test, with the seat detaching from the base. The risk of fatal injury is extremely high. Although it does not have pollutant problems, the safety flaw is unacceptable.
Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus
Type: Forward-Facing Folding Chair (76-105 cm) | ADAC Global: 4.6 (INSUFFICIENT)
ADAC October 2025: Safety 3.9 | Handling 3.3 | Ergonomics 1.6 | Pollutants 4.6
ACS Analysis: NOT RECOMMENDED. The overall rating of "Insufficient" is due to the presence of harmful substances (pollutants) above the limit. Furthermore, it is a forward-facing seat, a configuration that the ACS advises against for this age group, and rear-facing should always be prioritized.
Osann One360 SL Mini
Type: Swivel Chair (40-105 cm) | ADAC Global: 3.5 (SATISFACTORY)
ADAC October 2025: Safety 3.6 | Handling 3.2 | Ergonomics 2.2 | Pollutants 1.0
ACS Analysis: NOT RECOMMENDED. The safety rating (3.6) is classified as "Sufficient," which for the ACS is a warning sign. Although it allows for reverse steering, there are options on the market with significantly better safety ratings. The convenience of rotation cannot compensate for mediocre safety performance.
Renolux Olymp Pro
Type: Forward-Facing Convertible Chair (76-150 cm) | ADAC Global: 3.3 (SATISFACTORY)
ADAC October 2025: Safety 3.4 | Handling 3.2 | Ergonomics 2.5 | Pollutants 1.0
ACS Review: NOT RECOMMENDED. This model uses a forward-facing 5-point harness. The ACS strongly advises against this configuration. After prolonged rear-facing (ideally up to age 7), the transition should be to a booster seat with a backrest, using the vehicle's 3-point seatbelt, which is designed to distribute forces more safely across the body of an older child.
Maxi-Cosi Tanza i-Size
Type: Booster Seat with Backrest (100-150 cm) | ADAC Global: 3.2 (SATISFACTORY)
ADAC October 2025: Safety 3.4 | Handling 2.8 | Ergonomics 1.5 | Pollutants 1.0
ACS Review: A booster seat with a backrest for older children. Its safety rating (3.4) is only "Sufficient," making it a less recommended option by the ACS, with alternatives on the market offering better safety performance, such as the Britax Römer or Axkid models.
Kinderkraft I-Lite + Endura Safe FX
Type: "Egg" shaped car seat with ISOFIX base (40-87 cm) | ADAC Global: 2.9 (SATISFACTORY)
ADAC October 2025: Safety 2.4 | Handling 3.2 | Ergonomics 1.9 | Pollutants 1.0
ACS Analysis: An egg-based system that has a "Good" safety rating (2.4). The overall "Satisfactory" rating is influenced by other factors. It is a valid option for newborns, always in the rear-facing position.
Avova Sperber X
Type: Swivel Chair (40-105 cm) | ADAC Global: 2.8 (SATISFACTORY)
ADAC October 2025: Safety 2.8 | Handling 2.5 | Ergonomics 2.5 | Pollutants 1.0
ACS Analysis: A rotating wheelchair with a "Satisfactory" safety rating (2.8). Although it offers the convenience of rotation, the ACS recommends, conditionally, its use **EXCLUSIVELY IN REAR-FACING**. Its safety performance does not stand out among the best on the market.
Nuna Arra Flex + BaseCurv
Type: Reclining "Egg" Car Seat with ISOFIX Base (40-87 cm) | ADAC Global: 2.7 (SATISFACTORY)
ADAC October 2025: Safety 3.0 | Handling 2.1 | Ergonomics 2.3 | Pollutants 1.0
ACS Analysis: WARNING. The "Satisfactory" (3.0) safety rating for this combination is a negative surprise and a warning sign. Although the Arra Flex is a high-quality reclining car seat, this specific combination with the BaseCurv base did not achieve the best safety performance. It is recommended to use it without the base (where it achieved the best safety result, see below) or with the Base Next base.
View product on Gotu.com.brKinderkraft I-Lite
Type: "Egg" Chair (40-87 cm) | ADAC Global: 2.7 (SATISFACTORY)
ADAC October 2025 (no base): Safety 2.0 | Handling 3.1 | Ergonomics 1.9 | Pollutants 1.0
ACS Review: Good safety rating (2.0 - "Good") when evaluated in isolation. The overall rating is penalized by handling, typical of harness-equipped installations. A safe and economical option for newborns, always rear-facing.
Nuna Arra Flex
Type: Reclining "Egg" Chair (40-87 cm) | ADAC Global: 2.6 (GOOD)
ADAC October 2025 (no base score): Safety 2.2 | Handling 2.9 | Ergonomics 2.2 | Pollutants 1.0
ACS Analysis: Confirms the previous analysis. Without the BaseCurv base, the Nuna Arra Flex installed with the car's seatbelt obtains a good safety rating (2.2), making it an excellent option, especially for those who do not have ISOFIX. Its reclining capacity is an advantage in terms of comfort.
View product on Gotu.com.brAvionaut MaxSpace Smart
Type: Booster Seat with Backrest (100-150 cm) | ADAC Global: 2.6 (GOOD)
ADAC October 2025: Safety 3.0 | Handling 2.0 | Ergonomics 1.7 | Pollutants 1.0
ACS Analysis: Although the overall rating is "Good," the safety rating is only "Satisfactory" (3.0). For the ACS, safety is the primary criterion. There are alternatives on the market with better safety performance for this category of booster seat.
Besafe Beyond + Base Beyond
Type: Rear-facing Rotating Wheelchair (61-125 cm) | ADAC Global: 2.4 (GOOD)
ADAC October 2025: Safety 2.0 | Handling 2.7 | Ergonomics 3.0 | Pollutants 1.0
ACS Review: An excellent option. It combines a good safety rating (2.0 - "Good") with the convenience of rotation and the safety of extended rear-wheel travel up to 125 cm. Recommended by the ACS.
Joie i-Level Pro + i-Base Encore
Type: Reclining "Egg" Car Seat with ISOFIX Base (40-87 cm) | ADAC Global: 2.3 (GOOD)
ADAC October 2025: Safety 2.6 | Handling 1.9 | Ergonomics 2.2 | Pollutants 1.0
ACS Review: A good overall option. Although the safety rating is "Satisfactory" (2.6), the combination of convenience (reclining, rotation with the Encore base) and absence of pollutants makes it a very popular and acceptable choice for newborns, always rear-facing.
View product on Gotu.com.brJoie i-Level Pro
Type: Reclining "Egg" Chair (40-87 cm) | ADAC Global: 2.3 (GOOD)
ADAC October 2025 (no base): Safety 2.3 | Handling 2.4 | Ergonomics 2.2 | Pollutants 1.0
ACS Review: A safe and recommended option, with good scores in all categories. Its safety performance is solid ("Good") and the reclining capability, even when installed with a seatbelt, is an asset for the baby's comfort and health.
View product on Gotu.com.brAxkid Up
Type: Booster Seat with Backrest (100-150 cm) | ADAC Global: 2.0 (GOOD)
ADAC October 2025: Safety 1.9 | Handling 2.2 | Ergonomics 1.8 | Pollutants 1.0
ACS Review: An excellent choice for the booster seat phase. With a "Good" safety rating (1.9) and a very positive overall score, it is one of the most recommended options by the ACS for older children when rear-facing is no longer possible. Its independent height and seat adjustment technology is an advantage.
View product on Gotu.com.brBritax Römer Kidfix Pro
Type: Booster Seat with Backrest (100-150 cm) | ADAC Global: 1.8 (GOOD)
ADAC October 2025: Safety 1.7 | Handling 2.0 | Ergonomics 2.0 | Pollutants 1.0
ACS Review: Excellent result. With a "Good" safety rating (1.7) and a very strong overall score ("Good"), the Kidfix Pro positions itself as one of the best and safest options on the market for the booster seat phase. Highly recommended by the ACS.
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), they must use a booster seat with a backrest and the vehicle's 3-point seat belt.
- ✗ FRONT SHIELDS – NOT RECOMMENDED: ACS does not recommend seats with front shields, even if they have airbags. 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.
- Commitment to best practices in child safety.