Cybex
Pallas G3
8.3/10 overall£229.95
Cybex's current Group 1/2/3 impact-shield seat, replacing the child's harness with a fold-down shield designed to cut frontal-crash neck injury risk.
The verdict
The Cybex Pallas G3 is a forward-facing Group 1/2/3 seat (76-150cm) that replaces a harness with a padded impact shield, designed by Cybex to cut frontal-crash neck injury risk while making getting a toddler in and out quicker. It suits parents who prefer shield-style seats to a harness, though it offers no rear-facing option and the shield isn't adjustable or comfortable for every child.
The Pallas G3 is the latest generation of Cybex's impact-shield car seat, covering 76-150cm (roughly 15 months to 12 years) forward-facing only. Instead of a conventional 5-point harness, the child sits behind a padded shield that clicks into place across the lap - Cybex's own testing and independent reviews credit this design with reducing frontal neck-injury risk, and it also makes getting a wriggly toddler in and out noticeably quicker than buckling a harness.
Against the Britax Advansafix Pro, its closest rival in this list on price and age range, the Pallas G3 trades the familiarity of a harness for the shield's quicker in-and-out and its side-impact headrest, at a very similar RRP. It replaced the earlier Pallas G i-Size and Pallas G2, both since discontinued, so this is the version currently sold and supported in the UK. Like the Britax, it does not offer extended rear-facing - both are strictly forward-facing seats for the stage after infancy.
It's best for parents who find shield-style seats easier to use day-to-day than a harness, particularly for a toddler who resists being clipped in. The one real limitation is that the shield isn't compatible with every car interior or every child's comfort preference - some toddlers find the shield restrictive against the stomach, and unlike a harness it can't be adjusted for a snugger fit as the child's proportions change season to season.
Is the Pallas G3 worth it?
- Impact shield makes getting a toddler in and out quick
- Reclining headrest adds side-impact protection while sleeping
- Current, actively supported generation (replaces the discontinued Pallas G i-Size/G2)
What are the downsides of the Pallas G3?
- Forward-facing only - no extended rear-facing option
- Shield style isn't adjustable in the way a harness is, and doesn't suit every toddler
- Isofix-only fitting for the younger stage limits which cars it suits
Specs
- Seat weight
- 8.9kg
- Installation
- Isofix + top tether (76-105cm); vehicle seatbelt + Isofix + top tether, or seatbelt only (100-150cm)
- Suitable from
- Approx. 15 months to 12 years (76-150cm, 9-50kg)
- Safety standard
- UN R129/04 (i-Size)
- Facing direction
- Forward-facing only
- Recline positions
- One-hand adjustable recline plus reclining headrest
- Key safety features
- Impact shield (reduces neck injury risk vs harness, per Cybex testing), Linear Side-impact Protection System Plus
How we scored it
Safety & Fit
Crash protection design (side-impact systems, impact shields, or extended rear-facing capability), how securely and correctly the seat installs, and how well it accommodates a growing child without needing to be replaced too soon.
Impact shield design cuts neck injury risk per Cybex testing, but no rear-facing option
Ease of Installation & Everyday Use
How straightforward the seat is to install correctly (Isofix vs seatbelt-only, clear indicators), and how easy it is to adjust, clean, and move between cars day to day.
Shield is quicker to use day-to-day than a harness
Value for Money
What the seat delivers - years of use, safety features, and build quality - relative to its UK retail price.
Weighted by importance for this category — see our editorial policy for how we test.
How this review was done
We haven't used the Pallas G3 ourselves yet. This review is built from Cybex's published specifications and product information, and scored the same way as everything else on the site. We'll update it, and the badge above, once we've tested it hands-on.
How it compares
|  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £229.95 | £479.00 | £180.00 | £295.00 |
| Overall score | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| Seat weight | 8.9kg | — | 8.7kg | 10kg |
| Installation | Isofix + top tether (76-105cm); vehicle seatbelt + Isofix + top tether, or seatbelt only (100-150cm) | Vehicle seatbelt only (no Isofix required) | Isofix with support leg (harness stages); Isofix or seatbelt (booster stage) | Vehicle seatbelt + top tether (no Isofix) |
| Suitable from | Approx. 15 months to 12 years (76-150cm, 9-50kg) | Approx. 6 months to 7 years (61-125cm, up to 36kg) | Birth to approx. 12 years (40-145cm, up to 36kg) | Approx. 7 months to 7 years (61-125cm, up to 36kg) |
Frequently asked questions
How does the impact shield work instead of a harness?+
The child sits behind a padded shield that clicks into place across the lap rather than being buckled into a 5-point harness. Cybex's own testing and independent reviews credit this design with reducing frontal neck-injury risk, and it makes getting a wriggly toddler in and out noticeably quicker.
Is the Pallas G3 suitable for rear-facing use?+
No — it's forward-facing only, covering roughly 15 months to 12 years (76-150cm), with no extended rear-facing option.
How does it install?+
Isofix plus a top tether for the younger stage (76-105cm); vehicle seatbelt plus Isofix and top tether, or seatbelt only, for the older stage (100-150cm).
Is the shield comfortable for every child?+
Not necessarily — some toddlers find the shield restrictive against the stomach, and unlike a harness it can't be adjusted for a snugger fit as the child's proportions change.
How does it compare with the Britax Advansafix Pro?+
Both cover a similar age range and price, but the Pallas G3 trades a conventional harness for the shield's quicker in-and-out and a reclining, side-impact headrest.
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Reviewed by
Sepehr
Software engineer, soon-to-be dad, uncle to four — the tech-obsessed half of the two of us testing this stuff. Currently building this site with my wife, ahead of our own baby arriving.