The Petite Star Zia is promoted as a best-selling, lighter-than-light, from birth stroller. I am somewhat wary of lightweight strollers and had a rather negative experience with one that I tested a while ago but I was more than pleasantly surprised with the Petite Star Zia. I received the Petite Star Zia for test and review, specifically, and decided to give it the best test possible- an airplane trip and journey around Wisconsin, USA. What better testing ground?
- STRENGTHS: The Petite Star Zia lives up to its lightweight billing (6.3kg) and is ridiculously easy to fold and unfold. When folded, the Petite Star is not much bulkier that the standard “umbrella stroller” and is very easy to carry thanks to a latch which keeps the pushchair shut in transport. The 5-point harness is very sturdy and feels quite secure and is nicely padded for the comfort of your child. Unlike the Quinny Zapp, its near twin, the Petite Star Zia’s seat does recline virtually flat which allows it to be suitable from birth to approximately 3 years. The recline feature is smooth and seamless allowing you to choose any number of recline positions. We were fortunate to have the matching footmuff to test in addition to the pushchair, raincover and shopping basket. The footmuff (£35.22) is one of the plushest available with a glorious fleece liner and matching fabric outer which allows it to be weather proof. The Petite Star Zia, although lightweight, does not feel flimsy or rickety and the ride is quite smooth and seems very comfortable for Little Miss. The Petite Star Zia has new autumnal colours (Pink Fizz, Cardinal Red and Purple Berry) which makes the pushchair look slightly classier and different from the rest of the Petite Star Zia’s out there. This pushchair is a popular one, for sure. If you’re looking for unique and to make a statement, the Autumnal Colours will help with that.
- WEAKNESSES: The shopping basket is small but it really could not be much bigger considering the size of the stroller itself. The brake feels a bit plasticky and whilst I had no problems with it holding properly, it doesn’t seem as sturdy as other pushchair brakes. The canopy is somewhat ineffective unless the sun is directly above and behind you. It doesn’t come down very far to protect your child from the elements.
- OPINION: I was very impressed with the Petite Star Zia and pleasantly surprised. It travelled to America and back surprisingly well and was a big hit with American observers. The footmuff is one of the nicest ones I have seen and makes the Petite Star Zia quite a plush and comfortable choice. Little Miss seemed very comfortable and happy in the Petite Star Zia which was the final seal of approval on this model.
- TECHNICAL STUFF: Weight- 6.3kg; Dimensions- 72 x 60 x 107cm unfolded, 72 x 36 x 34cm folded; Handle height- 101cm; Colours- Pink Fizz, Cardinal Red, Purple Berry (Autumnal range); Accessories included- shopping basket, raincover; Optional Accessories- Cosy Toes (£35.22), Transit Bag (£14.99); RRP = £125
- RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Petite Star website- www.petitestar.com
Babies R Us website
