With a fresh new Special Edition Colourway now available, we're taking another look at the Quinny Buzz Xtra.
Quick Summary: Quinny offer a great from birth solution in the form of the Buzz Xtra. Not only do you get comfortable seating for older babies and children, but the newborn inlay makes sure that tiny babies are kept secure in that all important flat position.
Whats good?
- Never flat tyres
- Good suspension
- Newborn insert included with pushchair
Whats not so good?
- Static footrest
- Small basket
Chassis
The Buzz Xtra takes away the stress of getting your pushchair out of the car and fighting to get it up. Thanks to its clever gas hydraulics, all you need to do is take off the automatic locking catch on the right side, give the handlebar a slight lift and it will unfold and click into place.
Unlike the standard colours which have a brushed aluminium frame, the Limited Edition Reworked Grey that we have received for testing comes with a sleek black chassis. This alternative colour really works alongside the different shades of grey from the fabrics.
Rather than the usual foam, the handlebar is covered in a dense foam which will be a little hardier. The grey button at the centre of the handlebar allows it to move up and down a good amount to allow for shorter or taller parents. The range is from 98-106cm.
The Buzz Xtra has the iconic chassis shape with the front wheels extending out on the long stem at the front. All of the wheels have been updated with new never flat tyres, meaning that you can take it over any terrain without the risk of a puncture. There’s all round suspension too making the ride smoother if you’re travelling on rougher ground, in the park or in the woods. You can lock off the double front wheel with the push of a lever to make things easier.
To put on the foot brake, it’s an easy one touch on the right red pedal, and then a press on the left pedal to start moving again. Being colour coded, it’s a quick look to help you remember, and definitely flip-flop friendly!
Capable of carrying 5kg of shopping, the basket on the Buzz Xtra has a triangular shape and is best accessed from the sides of the pushchair. This is due to the curved shape of the chassis at the rear. We’d say that you could fit a couple of shopping bags or your changing bag in there, but you will need to arrange them at either side of the frame for taller items. There’s a zipped pocket in the back of the basket which is handy for your small essentials.
It’s possible to turn the Buzz Xtra into a travel system, with adaptors to add your infant carrier included with the pushchair. Maxi-Cosi actually have a special range of Pebble infant carriers that coordinate with the colours of the Buzz Xtra, but all Maxi-Cosi baby car seats are compatible with this pushchair.
Seat
As well as the soft seat, the Buzz Xtra comes with a unique from birth inlay. The covered polystyrene wedge creates a lay flat base in the seat unit, with the harness straps threading right through to still secure your newborn. It’s nice to have that option if you don’t want to purchase the carrycot extra, though it does create quite a shallow space, so may not last your child long.
The seat can be both parent and world facing, and slots into the chassis. To remove again, just press down on the two catches at either side of the seat and pull up. The recline is done with the same two levers and needs pressing while you move the seat. There are two positions parent facing and three world facing.
To last your child up to 15kg, the Buzz Xtra seat is a decent size, measuring 48cm tall, 26cm wide and 23cm deep. 15kg will probably take you to around 3 and a half years old, with the seat still having space for them.
With three different heights, the two harness clips fit together and clip into the buckle. There’s the usual large button in the middle to press to remove your child. Adjusting the length of the straps is easy with the plastic sliders, and poppers on the height positions make it simple to do, without the need for rethreading.
The 360 degree spin on the gate opening bumper bar makes it easy to get your child in and out of the seat. To remove from either side, there is a small button on the underside.
Keeping your child dry in quick showers, the canvas style hood is water repellent and has a pop out sun visor as well as an extra hidden panel to unzip, giving you more than enough coverage! It’s also possible to slide the hood up and down on the frame to allow for taller children.
Unfortunately the seat has been updated with a static footrest, so can’t be adjusted. There is a textured footplate though for climbing in and out and will be easy to wipe clean.
As well as a parasol clip, there is also a raincover included with the package.
Carrycot
Capable of collapsing down to only 14.5cm high, Quinny’s Foldable Carrycot can easily be stored and transported. To flatten, you use the clever sliding mechanism on the underside. Once you’ve pressed the grey button, you can then slide the handle to the opposite end.
Making sure that baby is comfortable, the carrycot has a removable mattress that sits on the bottom of the liner, which is also padded – effectively giving you a double layer! As we’ve been testing the new Reworked Grey, the liner matches the hood colour. The zipped apron over the top helps to keep out drafts and features the two different greys of this colourway.
Inside, the liner is really soft so that your baby won’t come across anything harsh to rub against. It is possible to remove all of the fabrics to hand wash. Measuring 74cm long and 29cm wide, the carrycot should be large enough to carry your child until around six months old.
Weighing 5.3kg, the carrycot has a handle built into the centre of the hood to help with carrying and attaching to the pushchair chassis. A button on either side lets you remove it again, and it can be done one-handed with one button pressed after the other. The hood offers a good amount of protection, with the benefit of a pull out sun visor too. It locks into position at each side and then can be pushed back after pressing the red indicated buttons.
You can even adjust the angle of the carrycot, which is a great feature for colicky babies, or babies that don’t like lying completely flat. To adjust, you need a screwdriver, but it’s a quick and easy job.
It comes with its own raincover and mosquito net that keep baby dry and protected. Made for the carrycot, it’s a great fit and features a zip for instant access. The connectors to attach the carrycot to the pushchair chassis come included with the pushchair.
Drivability
The Buzz Xtra really is designed to help you explore different terrains, with the chunky tyres and suspension. It’s a solid and sturdy pushchair that is still nice to push. We have tested at 5’6″ and the handlebar gives enough range to be comfortable for parents of varying heights.
Even going over bumpy ground, the padded seat ensures that your child is kept comfortable.
Fold
Folding the Buzz Xtra is simple to do and can be done with the seat on or removed. It is easier to do with the seat off though, and it is also allows the unfold mechanism to work better.
To start the fold, move the small grey lever on the left to one side and pull back the two levers. Then just push the handlebar down until the automatic lock engages. There’s also a secondary buckle lock to attach to the frame, which is there to keep the pushchair from springing open should the automatic lock be removed in your car boot.
By far the easiest step is getting the chassis back up. The gas hydraulics built in to the centre of the frame works as soon as you remove the locks, pushing the handlebar up in a swift action with the touch of a finger. Quick and simple.
The Buzz Xtra frame achieves a pretty flat fold, which you can then lay the seat on top off. The wheels can also be quickly removed should you need slightly more space.
Conclusion
Quinny offer a great from birth solution in the form of the Buzz Xtra. Not only do you get comfortable seating for older babies and children, but the newborn inlay makes sure that tiny babies are kept secure in that all important flat position.
The chunky never flat tyres mean that you can venture off the pavements through parks and muddy walks should it take your fancy, with the front wheels locking off to help. As well as a smooth push, the rear suspension ensures that it can tackle bumpy rides without disturbing your little one.
We really like the Limited Edition Colourway, with the block colourways slashed across the fabrics offering something a bit different. They are complimented well with the new black chassis.
If you’re after a pushchair that is designed to tackle the streets as well as some off roading, we’d recommend checking out the iconic moves and looks that the Buzz Xtra has to offer.
