Cybex Anoris T2 i-Size Car Seat Review For Ages 15 Months to 7 Years.

The Cybex Anoris T2 i-Size is a child car seat that attempts to revolutionise safety with its groundbreaking full-body airbag technology. This innovative system provides up to 50% enhanced protection compared to standard forward-facing seats, setting a new benchmark in child passenger safety.

Designed for longevity, the Anoris T2 i-Size accommodates children from 15 months up to approximately 7 years old (76 cm – 125 cm, max 21 kg). This extended usability surpasses many comparable seats by up to three years and helps justify the high price point.

For transparency, I don’t have a child, and this is my first review of my car seat. I worked with a family friend to test the seat with their 4-year-old child and help provide feedback, both on this car seat and their experience of car seats in general.

Features

Up to 50% Higher Safety Levels – Cybex Airbag Technology

The Anoris T2 i-Size is at the forefront of child car seat technology, featuring a full-body C-shaped airbag integrated into its impact shield. In the event of a frontal collision, the airbag inflates within milliseconds, faster than the blink of an eye, to protect your child’s head, neck, and body. This technology provides a safety level up to 50% higher than conventional forward-facing car seats, and children find the impact shield significantly more comfortable than a harness system. The Anoris T2 is the latest model in the ADAC award-winning Anoris series, offering a glimpse of the future of car seats today.

Direct Eye-Contact – Forward-Facing for Direct Interaction

The forward-facing Anoris T2 i-Size allows you and your child to face the world together without sacrificing safety. Studies indicate that parents prefer forward-facing car seats to maintain eye contact via the rear-view mirror, enhancing communication and strengthening the parent-child bond.

Freedom to Move – Small Impact Shield, Limitless Legroom

Featuring a compact, cushioned impact shield with a cleverly designed airbag that activates only when necessary, this seat provides ample space for your child to move their upper body to play or read. The forward-facing design ensures your child has all the legroom needed to stretch their growing limbs, ensuring comfort and preventing cramps on long journeys.

Precision-Fit Securing, Weightless Feeling – Intuitive, Depth-Adjustable Impact Shield

Installation is straightforward with the innovative, one-click impact shield. Adjustable depth settings ensure precise buckling and a better fit. Research shows that an impact shield is more likely to be correctly fastened than a harness*. The smart design keeps the child secure yet free to move, giving a weightless feel to the impact shield. Clunk, click, every trip!

Up to 6x More Breathability – All-Round Air Ventilation

The Anoris T2 i-Size ensures a breezy journey with its all-round air ventilation and smart mesh fabric, which is up to six times more breathable than comparable materials. Strategically placed ventilation holes allow air to circulate and exit the seat, providing extra comfort with a specially upholstered impact shield (PLUS Fabric version only).

Long Usability – From >15 Months to Approx. 7 Years

Enjoy extended safety with a spacious seat designed to accommodate children until they are about seven years old – three years longer than comparable car seats. Transitioning to the 3-point seatbelt is easy and safer when the time comes. The adjustable impact shield and headrest ensure a perfect fit at any age, while the integrated airbag offers unparalleled protection across a range of body sizes. (76 cm – max. 125 cm and 21 kg)

Sun Protection – Integrated Sun Canopy

A retractable UPF50+ sun canopy offers excellent protection from the sun and shields your child from busy surroundings. A mesh window enhances airflow, keeping your little one fresh on the move (mesh window part is not UPF50+).

Reduces Side-Impact Forces by 20% – Advanced Linear Side-Impact Protection

Side crashes account for 25% of accidents, but the Anoris T2 i-Size’s Advanced Linear Side-impact Protection reduces impact forces by up to 20%. This technology transfers the forces into the car seat’s energy-absorbing shell and headrest. The protective wings automatically fold out upon unpacking, simplifying installation.

Effortless Installation – ISOFIX and Load Leg

Stabilised by ISOFIX and a load leg, the Anoris T2 i-Size ensures a strong connection with your vehicle. Installation is intuitive, aided by onboard safety LED indicators that confirm the seat is correctly set up and ready to protect.

Perfect Sleeping Position – 3 Recline Positions

Recline the seat to provide your child with a comfortable sleeping position during car rides. Three recline settings allow you to find the ideal position. An accessible adjustment handle lets you recline the seat without disturbing your child if they fall asleep sitting up.

Central LED Indicators

A car seat can only protect if properly installed. The onboard safety assistant ensures correct installation every time. LED indicators display the status of the ISOFIX, load leg, impact shield, and battery, allowing you to confirm your child’s safety at a glance and drive with confidence.

Specification

• Age range: From >15 months up to approx. 7 years
• Child height: 76 – 125 cm
• Child weight: up to 21 kg
• Isofix installation: Yes
• Reclines: Yes
• Forward or rearward facing: Forward
• Compatible with: Summer Cover; Car Seat Cup Holder; ISOFIX Guides
• Approval regulation: UN R129/03

Cybex Anoris T2 vs Cybex Anoris T

The Anoris T2 i-Size builds upon the success of its predecessor, the Anoris T i-Size, with several key improvements. The most notable changes include:

1. Extended size range: The T2 accommodates children up to 125cm, compared to 115cm for the original Anoris T.
2. Smaller impact shield: The T2’s impact shield is 25% smaller, providing more space for the child.
3. Improved shield securing: The T2 features a spacer system that is rigid, depth-adjustable, and weightless, compared to the belted system of the original Anoris T.
4. Enhanced ventilation: The T2 incorporates mesh fabrics and a breathable car seat shell for improved air circulation.

Safety

The Cybex Anoris T2 i-Size has undergone rigorous testing to meet and exceed safety standards. It complies with the UN R129/03 regulation, which is part of the i-Size standard. This standard focuses on side-impact protection and keeping children rear-facing for longer.

The seat’s airbag technology has been extensively tested to ensure rapid deployment and effective protection in frontal collisions. The Advanced L.S.P. system has also been proven to reduce side-impact forces significantly.

Unboxing / Design

Car Compatibility / i-Size Vehicle Seat

The ‘i-Size’ is a new EU safety regulation for child car seats (ECE R129). It was introduced in July 2013 to make child car seats easier to fit, provide better protection from side impacts and keep children rearward-facing for longer. UK legislation has been amended to allow i-size seats to be used.

The main changes that i-size introduces are:

• i-size seats are based on the child’s height rather than weight
  i-size uses the child’s height to determine if the seat fits the child, rather than their weight. So, it’s important to check that your child’s height is within the range of the seat. Parents tend to know their child’s height better than their weight, which should make it easier for parents to judge if the seat is suitable for their child and when they should move the child into a larger seat.
• i-size rearward-facing restraints are for babies up to 15 months old
  Babies in i-size car seats stay rearward-facing until they are at least 15 months old.
• side impact test
  i-size includes a side impact test to ensure that the seats provide better protection from side impact collisions.

If you have an older car, you will need to check the Cybex for compatibility information here. Most of the cars I checked are compatible, but it looks like most of the compatible cars were manufactured in 2000 or newer, so very old cars may not be compatible.

I personally have an older Vauxhall Corsa, which was listed under Opel.

Installation / Ease of Use

The Anoris T2 i-Size uses ISOFIX anchors and a load leg for secure installation. The seat includes onboard safety LED indicators that confirm correct installation, giving parents peace of mind. The impact shield is designed for easy, one-click securing, with adjustable depth settings for a precise fit.

One notable improvement over its predecessor is the 25% smaller impact shield, which provides more space for the child while maintaining safety standards. The new depth-adjustable impact shield system offers a weightless feel, reducing pressure on the child.

Parents will appreciate the intuitive design of the Anoris T2 i-Size. The one-click impact shield makes securing the child quick and straightforward. The LED indicators provide clear feedback on correct installation, reducing the risk of user error.

The adjustable headrest and impact shield allow the seat to grow with the child, eliminating the need for complex harness adjustments. The recline function can be operated with one hand, allowing parents to adjust the seat without disturbing a sleeping child.

Comfort

The Anoris T2 i-Size prioritises comfort with its all-around air ventilation system and smart mesh fabric, which is up to six times more breathable than comparable materials. The seat offers three recline positions, allowing parents to adjust for optimal comfort during sleep.

A retractable UPF50+ sun canopy is integrated into the design, protecting the child from sun and providing a shield from busy surroundings. The mesh window in the canopy enhances airflow, though it’s worth noting that this part does not offer UPF50+ protection

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Innovative airbag technology for enhanced safety
2. Extended usability from 15 months to approximately 7 years
3. Advanced side-impact protection
4. Comfortable and well-ventilated design
5. Easy installation with clear safety indicators
6. Adjustable features to accommodate growing children

Cons:

1. Higher price point compared to conventional car seats
2. Forward-facing only, which may not appeal to parents preferring extended rear-facing options
3. Large size may not be suitable for smaller vehicles or multi-car seat setups

Price and Alternative Options

The Cybex Anoris T2 has an RRP of £639.95, which makes it one of the most expensive options on the market.

The older model has an RRP of £599.95 but is available for £439.95, but it is worth noting that this is only suitable for up to 6 years of age, so you would theoretically get 57 months of use out of it vs 69 months with the new model.

Alternative premium options that cover the same sort of wide age range, include:

• Cosatto Axkid One 2 Car Seat
  • Age: 6 months – 7 years approx.
  • Price: £675
• Joie i-Prodigi Group 0+/1/2 Car Seat – Eclipse
  • Age: Birth – 7 years approx.
  • Price: £450
• Cosatto All in All Ultra Whisper Car Seat
  • Age: Birth – 12 Years approx.
  • Price: £370
• Joie Signature i-Spin XL Group 0+/1/2/3 Car Seat
  • Age: Birth – 12 Years approx.
  • Price: £300

Verdict

The Cybex Anoris T2 i-Size car seat is an excellent choice for parents prioritising safety and longevity. Its innovative airbag technology, breathable materials, and user-friendly installation process set it apart from many competitors. While its high price point may be a deterrent for some, the extended usability and advanced safety features justify the investment. Parents can rest assured that the Anoris T2 i-Size provides one of the safest and most comfortable rides for their child.