Isofix Car Seat in 2012 Golf GTD?

**gfish** · 08-02-2015, 06:18 AM

Hi all,

Just bought an MY12.5 GTD. Now have to buy a car seat for our newborn.

We've been hoping to get an ISOFIX seat and wondering if anyone knows if there are ISOFIX points for the middle rear seat? I read that they were only for the side seats in the Golf.

Thanks for any help.

**Umai Naa!!** · 08-02-2015, 08:03 AM

Not sure about the middle, but definitely the sides.

**Hillbilly** · 08-02-2015, 09:26 AM

A great idea for the wee ones but make sure you buy a certified one and not an illegal import.

Good info here

https://www.childcarseats.com.au/faqs

**jamesatfish** · 08-02-2015, 09:27 PM

I can't confirm for the Mk7 but definitely Mk5, Mk6, Tiguan and Beetle only have ISOFIX points on the two outside seats in the back.

If you're looking at ISOFIX seats I'd recommend the solid latch type that is commonly used in Europe, not the 'connector on a belt' type I've seen here. Having a seatbelt setup with ISOFIX latches seems a half-baked implementation - if you're looking at the safety of ISOFIX then having the seat physically linked to the chassis is the way to go.

If considering an overseas seat do your own research above and beyond what's on the Aust Govt site linked above - it implies that European ISOFIX seats are unsafe compared to the new Australian standard but I'd read the EU regs for yourself before making that assumption.

**gfish** · 09-02-2015, 05:45 AM

Thanks all. Much appreciated.

I'm leaning towards buying an ISOFIX seat (AU Standard, bought in Au), just for the option of being able to use Isofix. I think I'll be standard AU-tethering in the centre rear, to be safe (It is recommended infants ride in the middle, for obvious reasons).

jamesatfish, I agree with you regarding ISOFIX debacle in Australia. I have been living in the Netherlands for the past 2 years and they have some decent seats over here. It is just illegal to use them in Au.

Thanks all for the confirmation and suggestions. Much appreciated.

Now, I'm looking forward to picking up the car (2012 GTD!!) on Saturday. Well, wife picks it up. I'm still overseas.

**2muchcoffeeman** · 09-02-2015, 06:13 AM

I imported 2 Isofix seats in 2010 and never regretted the decision- standards or not. Purchased tethers for them, but can't really see what they achieve.

Loved it every time I had to move one to another car and was reassured by it being impossible to get it wrong. They really are a no brainer.

**minke** · 09-02-2015, 08:34 AM

I agree ISOFIX is great, especially when you cannot get the installation wrong (well, on the balance of things, less likely)

Be aware that using a non ADR compliant modification on your car (and non AS stickered child seats are included) will make your insurance null and void regardless of who is at fault. (if discovered by the investigative crash unit).

In the cycling world, similar problem. Helmets without the Australian Standards sticker (ie bought overseas) even if the same model is available here, you're deemed to be not wearing a helmet.

**gfish** · 09-02-2015, 08:57 AM

I am also concerned that ISOFIX in the Golf is only on the outer seats, not the middle safest seat. Although, I have read that you can use the innermost ISOFIX points on either side to attach a middle car seat. Not sure if this is 100% possible, though. Either way, I'll be buying an ISOFIX Australian car seat (Britax Platinum SICT ISOFIX, for anyone that is also looking). I think you can use ISOFIX and/or standard tether and seat belt installs, so your warranty/legally isn't null and void. And, hopefully, best of both worlds.

**jamesatfish** · 09-02-2015, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by minke

Be aware that using a non ADR compliant modification on your car (and non AS stickered child seats are included) will make your insurance null and void regardless of who is at fault. (if discovered by the investigative crash unit

Again, I recommend doing your own research in this regard. Check your insurance policy PDS for such clauses - I know that my insurer does not list any such exclusions.

Also consider whether your belief in the improved safety of an overseas spec seat is worth more than the monetary value of your insurance policy. Personally I'd chose the safest option for my kids as the only concern, rather than picking a less safe option because I might be less out of pocket in case of an accident.

Anyway, to gfish - if you're using an Aussie seat with ISOFIX clips on the end of a seatbelt strap then the middle seat should be OK, as the straps are connected and then tightened as per the top tether. If you're using a rigid ISOFIX connector then it'd be a fluke that the inner connectors were the standard ISOFIX distance apart, as the spacing will depend on the width of the car itself.