[sandip_sm]

I'm currently using a 4th gen City which can accomodate 2 child seats in the back. I will soon need to fit in 3 child seats. Which cars in a 25 lac budget can manage this? Three row vehicles have issues because third row access gets blocked with 2 child seats installed in the second row. And lack of luggage space with all 3 rows up.

Another alternative is to continue using the City with the seat of the eldest child moved to the front and 1 adult squeezes in at the back with 2 child seats. This is not very safe because City doesnt allow you to turn off the passenger airbag.

Please suggest.

[SmartCat]

You need a 3 row MPV/SUV. This is the ideal placement:

- Middle one on child seat in 3rd row, behind the driver
- Eldest one on child or booster seat in 3rd row, next to the middle one.
- Youngest one on child seat, 2nd row, placed behind the driver.
- Whoever is taking care of kids sits in the 2nd row, next to the youngest one.

- Snacks/diaper/clothes bag to be placed in 2nd row, in the middle (preferably on the floor)
- Front passenger seat can be used to accommodate another adult or clothes/snacks/diaper bag or normal luggage (preferably in the footwell)

- Luggage should be placed in the boot + roof bag (Eg: Amazonbasics roof bag with 400 litres cargo space)
https://www.amazon.in/AmazonBasics-R.../dp/B072ZHRDMZ



It seems to be out of stock right now. But you can search amazon for any other "car roof bag".

Other Tips:

- Since practicality gets the highest priority, MPV is preferable to SUV. Most SUVs are compromised in one or more of the following "must haves".
- Vehicle must have roof rails with load carrying ability (beware, because some are just for show)
- Always mount roof bag on a roof rack (to be bought separately)
- Buy numerous smaller sized soft luggage because it is easier to mount/dismount roof luggage. Also, smaller sized luggage allows you to optimize the available space in the boot & roof bag.
- 3rd row seat should ideally have 'recline' feature. This will allow an adult to sit next to the child in 3rd row (if needed) comfortably even on long journeys. Non-reclining 3rd row seats will be un-useable for adults and uncomfortable for kids when they grow up.
- If possible, go for a vehicle with captain's seat in 2nd row. It will be easier to move things/people around.
- 2nd row seat must have the 'tumble & fold' feature. This will allow for easier access to the 3rd row (remember you have to haul yourself inside and secure both kids to the child/booster seats)



- Make sure the car has atleast 200 litres of bootspace with all 3 rows up. That way, you get minimum (200+400) litres of cargo space. Also, vehicle with large boot is safer for 3rd row passengers in case of rear impact

[sandip_sm]

Thanks. I did not think about carrying luggage on the roof. This will open up a few options.

[NarediAni7518]

Check out the Kia Carens once that car is too family-oriented so it might be what you’re looking for

[narayans80]

No 3 row car on sale has more than 2 ISOFIX mounts, all the way to Kia Carnival.

The realistic manageable use case is 2 child seats without ISOFIX in the 3rd row and one ISOFIX seat in the middle row. Apart from the driver, only 2 adult passengers can sit.

In our case, we have 2 child seats back to back, you can get a visual feel here (The unexpected purchase - My 2022 Hyundai Alcazar). You can implement this in any 3 row car.

[SmartCat]

Interestingly, Citroen C5 Aircross has 3 separate seats at the back. But it doesn't look like 3 child seats can fit there:



But front passenger seat has isofix point and front passenger airbag can be switched off.

[locusjag]

You do have the option of using the seat-belt to secure forward-facing child seats in cars. You don't necessarily need 3 ISOFix points for this; although ISOFix mounts are superior when compared to the mere use of seat-belts for the purpose.

But I'll tell you what is better for a child than not using a child seat at all - securing them in a child seat which in turn is secured with a seat belt!

[narayans80]

Originally Posted by SmartCat

Interestingly, Citroen C5 Aircross has 3 separate seats at the back. But it doesn't look like 3 child seats can fit there

Infant seats have side protection. There'll be minimal space if you put 2 abreast.

Infact with just one infant seat, there's only enough space for an adult and 8-year old to fit, albeit for a short distance. Even that is subject to the width of the car. On our former S-Cross, the same 3 were a tight fit.

Having 2 kids sit beside one another is chaotic enough. Imagine 3

But front passenger seat has isofix point and front passenger airbag can be switched off.

Apart from the fact that having a child seat in the front is not a good idea. Without 2 adults, managing 3 children would be a nightmare. Driving in India is already chaotic enough, you don't want add more entropy inside the cabin as well

Originally Posted by locusjag

But I'll tell you what is better for a child than not using a child seat at all - securing them in a child seat which in turn is secured with a seat belt!

Works for an older kid who is taller. The main constraint is the seat belt rubs against the neck. The booster (with or without back) is just to provide the additional height. My daughter grew out of boosters by her 10th birthday. For younger children like age 2-5, a 5-point harness offers better protection than the 3-point harness a normal seat belt is.

[sandip_sm]

The XUV700 second row looks like it is wide enough to fit 3 child seats side by side. Has anyone tried/seen this? I think a width of 147 cms would be required.

[narayans80]

Originally Posted by sandip_sm

The XUV700 second row looks like it is wide enough to fit 3 child seats side by side. Has anyone tried/seen this? I think a width of 147 cms would be required.

Let the dealers bring the car home. Mount the seats, let your kids sit. Take them for a joyride. Then decide, or should I say, let your kids decide.

[lsjey]

I’m not sure if the solution that I’m putting here fits your requirement, but one of the solutions is to retain the City and buy another hatchback. A Single large vehicle may or may not be a good solution. Just putting up the option. Finally try out all options and decide. Best of luck and do post your final solution. The advantages:

1. More flexibility in your travel options
2. Will not cost as much as buying a large MUV/SUV

You’ll need two drivers when both vehicles are taken out for travel though.

Regards,
Lsjey

[ron178]

If you have the budget for it, the new Škoda Octavia also has three i-Size compatible seating positions (front passenger+rear outboard).

[shifu]

Originally Posted by sandip_sm

The XUV700 second row looks like it is wide enough to fit 3 child seats side by side. Has anyone tried/seen this? I think a width of 147 cms would be required.

In the 7OO, the middle seat in the 2nd row is only a lap belt and not a 3 point belt. I think for a child seat you'll need a 3 point belt.

[gnome]

I use a CR-V. In second row, it fits 2 ISO-FIX convertible car-seats on the sides and one booster seat in the middle. Booster seat can also go in third row also if needed.
Most wide cars will fit this way. Just make sure middle row has three-point seat belt and you are using a booster car-seat in the middle.

[Naetik30]

Try the Alcazar. It will satisfy most of your requirements.