While searching for my perfect MINI, I also searched hi and low for information on a MINI-compatible car seat for my 3 1/2 year old grand daughter...my favorite and most precious passenger. There was plenty of talk regarding rear facing infant seats, but really not much on 5 point harness booster seats. I thought I would share my findings for those of you that may be in the same situation.

TONS of research later, I ordered the Sunshine Kids Radian65 Convertible Car Seat - Granite.

Of the four (yes, four) other car seats we own, the Radian65 seems almost custom made for my MINI.

• At only 17" wide, it fits beautifully in the rear passenger seat, with no overlap onto the center seat divider or rubbing on the interior side wall. It does not narrow an already narrow view from the rear window. AND I can still fold down the other MINI seat back for additional cargo space when needed.
• Although the exterior dimensions are considerably narrower than other models I researched, my MINI passenger has plentyof interior seat room, with padding in all the critical areas.
• At 28.5" tall, the top of the back rest sits well below the top of the MINIs rear head rest. Due to the height of the back rest, this car seat would be challenging for rear facing infants in the MINI - but works beautifully in the forward facing position.
• The Radian65's seat bottom is thin, so my little passenger can step into the car, on the rubber S mats of course, and slide into her car seat - no stepping all over the MINIs back seat! The Radian65 seat bottom does not extend over the edge of the MINI seat.
• The overall profile of the Radian65 is much more petite than others, making it much less obvious that you are sporting a carseat and it leaves plenty of viewable window area for your little one to enjoy the sights.
• The 5 point system is secure with padding on the shoulder straps - also has padding behind the crotch strap to avoid pinching.
• Cinch to install, all latch and tethers perfectly positioned for the MINI - used a car seat protector with toy pockets that extend over the front of the MINI seat -there is absolutely NO play in this seat, doesn't wiggle even a fraction of an inch.
• The seat bottom folds up for easy storage or airline travel.
• The Radian65 frame is steel, making it THE heaviest car seat I have ever met.
• Very positive user reviews on Amazon.

My grand daughter loves riding in the MINI with her MINI bulldog, compliments of my MA - and I feel confident that she is safe.

I hope this helps others that may looking for just the right car seat......

 

I have been using it for 4 years now.. I love it... so does my kids.

and I can put 2 side by side in the Clubbie... it is the slimmest by par.

 

Two in one MINI - good for you!
Gosh, wish I had run into you before I spent all that time agonizing...grand daughter...MINI...grand daughter....MINI....

 

I have the Como G2 by Recaro ( http://www.recaro-cs.com/us/product/...o-g2-como.html ) and I love it. It fits great in my '07 MCS hardtop. I can still fold down the other seat and can still see out of the windows just fine. The leg room is kinda tight but its still comfy for my 4 yo son. Plus on a shallower note it matches my pepper white and black paint

 

Recaro, Britax Marathon and a pair of Evenflo carseats all fit very well into my 08 Clubbie. Personally, I think the car seat issue in the MINI is largely overblown. Most seem to fit just fine.