Cybex Balios S Lux Review

B Loves: A sleek and easy to use pram, travel system and pushchair, with all of Cybex’s luxe quality yet at an affordable price.

Carrycot: Although you could use the seat unit from birth, as it has a completely lie-flat position, you’ll probably prefer the cosy size and protective shape of the Cot S, the carrycot that can be clicked onto the Balios chassis. It comes with its own firm mattress and there is a hood and apron in matching fabric to protect your little one from bad weather. It clicks onto the chassis and then when you want to remove it, simply press the two white buttons at each side to release it. These stay open, so it won’t click back on if you are struggling a little with a heavy baby and shopping. The carrying handle is in the rim of the hood, which makes it easy to hold.

Seat: The seat is a very generous size – great for using right up to around four years. You might not think a child will need a pushchair for that long but when you consider summer holidays and how tired kids can get in the evening, it becomes clear that this is a great advantage. It’s also great for school days when they are just won out after a busy time playing with friends. The seat goes completely flat and so is suitable from birth and it has a five-point harness with padded protection for your little one’s shoulders and lap. Over the top of your baby is a huge sun canopy which will protect from rain, wind and sun. It’s made from UPF50+ fabric, so will protect your little one’s skin from the sun’s rays and in addition to  its usual size, it has not only an extra zip-out panel that brings the canopy right down to the bumper bar but there’s even an additional flip-out visor too. There is a mesh window for extra air flow and to peep in on your baby when they are sleeping. There is a premium look and feel to the handle and bumper bar, as they are covered with a lovely tan leather and the bumper bar can be opened and swung out of the way when you are getting your baby in and out. You can switch the seat unit to face either the front or the rear and again, memory buttons help you release it from the chassis easily.

Chassis: A simple and stylish chassis looks and feels premium and it comes in a silver colour or matte black. The pushchair is easy to fold and when folded, it stands alone in a compact space; to fold it with the seat unit in place (facing the front), simply push the back of the seat rest all the way forwards, then collapse down the handle using the buttons in the middle of the handle bar. It locks together and there’s a convenient grab handle to lift it by It’s easy to store and to put in a car boot. The handle can be adjusted through four positions with just one hand and there is a range of movement that means any pusher, no matter how tall or short, will feel comfortable. Underneath is a really big basket, which could take quite a bit of shopping. It’s certainly large enough for everything for a long day out. It holds up to 5kg. The brake is conveniently located in the middle of the rear chassis bar, making it easy to see and to use. Just press it forwards to lock and then push it back to its original position to disengage.

Wheels: The all-terrain wheels are solid so there’s no chance of a puncture and there’s soft suspension all round, for a smooth ride over even bumpy ground. They can tackle most surfaces and are a generous size, especially the large rear wheels. This will make pushing easier and also getting the pushchair up and down curbs. The front wheels ca be locked in the forward-facing position or can swivel, so it’s easy to steer in tight spaces. All wheels have a reflective rim, so you will be seen in darker weather and at night.

Extras: There are lots of accessories that you can add to make this the perfect set-up for you; the carrycot is the Cot S (£179.95) plus you can add the Cocoon S (£119.95), footmuff (89.95) or Snogga footmuff (£69.95) colder weather. There’s a rain cover and a kid ride-in board £69.95), cup holder, car seat adapters (£29.95), parasol, snack tray (£39.95), plus gloves for pushing in cold weather (£44.95)

The small print:

• Use from: Birth to 4 years
• Weight: 11.7 kg
• Seat reclines: three
• Size when folded: 62 x 48.5 x 32 cm
• Car seat: Cybex Aton M

Colours: On a black chassis with black leather trim: Deep Black, Magnolia Pink, Navy Blue, Soho Grey, River Blue. On a silver chassis with brown leather trim: Navy Blue, Soho Grey, Deep Black. Cybex for Scuda Ferrari on black chassis; Victory Black, Racing Red.