Maxi Cosi Kore Pro i-Size booster seat
When we saw Maxi-Cosi’s new Kore Pro i-Size high back booster seat we knew we wanted a closer look! It’s one of only a small handful of i-Size boosters currently on the market in Europe, and it has some cool features that looked really intriguing. Luckily, Maxi Cosi was kind enough to send us one to try out. So how does it stack up? Let’s find out!
CSFTL Quick Stats
- Weight range: There is no weight minimum or maximum
- Height range: A child height of 100-150 cm
- Lowest belt guide position: 32 cm
- Highest belt guide position: 51 cm
- Maxi-Cosi recommends a maximum of 10 years of use
- Replace after any crash — Maxi-Cosi offers a Car Seat Swap Service in some European countries. After a crash they may offer to replace your seat free of charge.
Measurements
- Width at widest point on base (front of the seat pan): 45 cm
- Width at narrowest point on base (at the back): 31 cm
- Width at widest point of seat: 45 cm (front of seat pan) with headrest at lowest setting; 49.5 cm (at shoulders) with headrest fully extended
- Shoulder area measurement: 26-29 cm at the back depending on backrest height; 31-37 cm at the front depending on backrest height
- Seating area width (at the back): 22.5 cm
- Seat pan depth: 34 cm
- Weight of booster: 6.1 kg
Features
- ClickAssist light
- Expands in width as well as height
- i-Size compliant
Kore vs. Kore Pro
The seat we’re reviewing here is the Kore Pro, but another version is also available. The regular Kore i-Size is functionally identical, but differs in some of the finish. The biggest difference is that the Kore doesn’t feature the ClickAssist lights. Beyond that, the Kore also has fabric that doesn’t include bamboo fibres, it lacks the mesh fabric at the side, and the stitching on the cover is less detailed. It’s still a great option for an i-Size booster, and it comes in at a slightly lower price point than the Kore Pro.
i-Size
Maxi Cosi Kore Pro i-Size side impact protection
So what’s so great about i-Size boosters? Lots! In addition to requiring more stringent testing, i-Size regulations have also removed weight limits on booster seats. Instead of having 36 kg limits on all boosters, i-Size boosters have no weight limit at all! This is fabulous news for kids who reach 36 kg before being able to pass the 5 Step Test. Caregivers no longer have to make the tough choice of using a booster beyond stated limits or having their child go without a booster before they’re ready.
In place of weight limits, i-Size regulations have introduced a booster standing height limit of 150 cm. No matter what their weight, children can continue to use the booster until it is outgrown either by belt guide height or by the standing height limit.
ClickAssist Light
Maxi Cosi Kore Pro i-Size ClickAssist lighting
The ClickAssist light system is completely unique to the Kore Pro i-Size. These LED lights at either side of the seat are designed to light up the vehicle buckle, making it easier for the child to see the buckle and get themselves buckled up. To activate the light on one side, hold the button above it for 3 seconds until it flashes. To deactivate, do the same.
Maxi Cosi Kore Pro i-Size battery compartment
The light comes on automatically when a child gets in the seat, stays on for 22 seconds, then turns itself back off. A quick press of the button above the light will activate it manually if it doesn’t come on automatically. Maxi Cosi says the batteries will last approximately 4 years. The battery compartment is located on the bottom of the base, and requires two AA batteries.
Fabrics and More
Maxi Cosi Kore Pro i-Size cover detail
The cover of the Kore Pro i-Size features bamboo fibres intended to help with temperature regulation. In addition, mesh fabric panels at the sides of the seat are also intended to help keep young passengers cooler. Several rather refined colour choices are available.
The cover is removable and can be washed at 30 on a gentle cycle followed by drip drying.
Height Adjustment
Maxi Cosi Kore Pro i-Size height adjustment
The back of the Kore Pro i-Size adjusts upward to ensure the shoulder belt guide is in the correct position. The manual shows that the correct position for the back is with the bottom of the headrest aligned with the child’s jawline.
I found that adjusting the headrest took a bit of practice, but once I got the hang of it I found it easier to do with the seat installed than some other boosters I’ve tried. Squeeze the adjustment handle on one side of the headrest — to get the leverage to do this, put your fingers into the belt guide, then use your thumb to squeeze the handle. Then pull up (the booster raises from the bottom of the backrest rather than the top) to the desired height, release the handle, and make sure the back is locked into position.
Installation: With ISOFIX
The ISOFIX arms on the Kore Pro i-Size operate independently of each other. This is a bit different from some other seats, but is pretty easy to get used to.
Maxi Cosi Kore Pro i-Size ISOFIX arms extended
First, squeeze the ISOFIX release button on one side of the booster. Slide the ISOFIX arm all the way out. I found it easiest to get the arm fully extended if I started with it fully retracted and did it all in one smooth motion. Then, do the same on the other side.
Maxi Cosi Kore Pro i-Size ISOFIX indicators
Now, line up the ISOFIX arms with the ISOFIX anchors in the vehicle. Push the arms onto the anchors — they’ll start to retract as soon as they’re attached, so make sure to click one on and then do the other side. Indicators on the release buttons show green when they’re properly attached.
Push the front of the Kore Pro i-Size’s base towards the back of the vehicle seat until the booster seat sits flush against the vehicle seat. Maxi-Cosi recommends removing the vehicle headrest if it prevents the booster from sitting flush against the backrest.
Maxi Cosi Kore Pro i-Size belt guide
Finally, slide the vehicle seatbelt through the gap between the booster headrest and the side wings, then slide it into the green belt guide.
The ISOFIX release buttons are a bit hard to squeeze — caregivers with limited hand strength may find it a bit of a challenge to get the arms fully extended, though it takes much less effort to remove them from the anchors to uninstall.
Installation: without ISOFIX
Maxi Cosi recommends using ISOFIX in any vehicle which has lower anchors available. However, ISOFIX is not required, making the Kore Pro i-Size quite versatile.
To install without ISOFIX, leave the ISOFIX arms stored, and place the booster on the vehicle seat with the back flush against the vehicle seat backrest. If the vehicle headrest interferes with the booster sitting flush, go ahead and remove the headrest. Then thread the vehicle seatbelt into the green belt guide and you’re ready to ride! Remember to buckle the booster seat when it’s unoccupied to prevent it from becoming a projectile in a crash.
Fit to Child
6 Years Old
Maxi Cosi Kore Pro i-Size 6 year old fit
Our 6 year old model weighs 19.5 kg, and is 114 cm tall. He’s an experienced booster rider (and reviewer!) and he has nothing but high praise for the Kore Pro i-Size. He has proclaimed that it’s comfy under his bum, the fabric is soft, and the headrest is “great!” He especially likes the ClickAssist light — at the beginning of every trip I get to hear “Mum, the light is on!!” He’s also able to buckle himself up very easily due to the narrow width of the base near the seatbelt buckle.
His fit in the Kore Pro i-Size is excellent. The lap belt is low over his pelvis, and the shoulder belt centres nicely over his collarbone. We’ve had absolutely no issues with the seatbelt getting caught or twisted in the belt guide — it retracts beautifully with him in and out of the seat.
Important Information: Where to Find
Expiration: Maxi-Cosi recommends a maximum period of use of 10 years for all of their seats in Europe.
Maxi Cosi Kore Pro i-Size manual storage compartment
Manual Storage: The manual stores in a super handy little compartment at the front of the base. The best thing about this location is that you don’t need to uninstall the seat to access the manual! The door is a little difficult to close — I found pushing hard on one side and then the other did the trick.
Airline Approval: The Kore Pro i-Size is not approved for use on board aircraft. In addition, it doesn’t come apart or fold, so it may not be the best choice for travel.
Overall Thoughts
The Kore Pro i-Size is a fantastic addition to Maxi-Cosi’s European car seat and booster seat lineup. As one of only a very, very small handful of i-Size boosters it offers flexibility for bigger kiddos who still need a boost at a lower price point than some of the other options. For other kids, the cushy comfort, ClickAssist light, and ease of buckling are big draws, and caregivers may love the refined styling of the seat.
