Cybex is the brand to be seen with at the moment. Best known for the luxurious Priam in its Platinum pushchair collection, and its collaborations with fashion designers, the Balios S is a new addition to the company's Gold range. We found it just as functional, just as stylish, yet without the high price tag. 

After using the Balios S for some time we have to admit we're a little bit smitten. It's the perfect mix between stroller and full-sized pushchair. There isn't anywhere we have been that the Balios S hasn't been able to accompany us. The wheels are superb and the suspension gives the most lovely light bounce as you push. Even the smaller front wheels have super individual suspension. They have an extremely tight turning circle for manoeuvrability in busy spaces but can still roll effortlessly and smoothly over gravel. The basket is really deep and easily held onto our backpack and several cuddly toys on days out. We did initially worry that it sat quite low to the ground but this never proved a problem. And as the seat unit is set in quite a high position on the frame, the access to the basket is really easy from both the front and back.

Folding this pushchair was so easy. It folds all in one and stands alone when folded. It sat in the car and in the kitchen in between uses and didn't take up a lot of room.

The seat unit has a great sized extendable hood, which totally covers baby for a nap or to shade them from the sun. The seat can be flipped from parent to world-facing and the recline settings are brilliant and can be operated using one hand. Among all these positives, perhaps the most shocking fact is that the Balios S is half the price of many like-for-like pushchairs on the market right now at just £330!

We've had to be super-critical of the Balios S to find faults. We have noticed two small features which might pose a slight issue for a few parents. The seat unit has a great recline but doesn't provide a very sheltered place for newborns so in this instance you might be best off pairing with the Balios S carrycot. Also, the triggers to remove the seat unit are quite small and can be fiddly to reach. You have to squeeze your fingers between the seat and the frame but the plus-point is that they are memory buttons that work individually, so the action of taking the seat on and off the chassis can be done one-handed.

The Balios S gives a super-smooth push over a range of different surfaces. The great suspension system makes for the lightest push and the gentle bounce of the suspension gives a really pleasant ride for the passenger too. We love the versatility of the seat unit with the easy recline and ability to parent and world-face. Using the chassis with a carrycot or infant car seat is also a great option when using from newborn. The basket is deep and easily holds everything you need for a day out, whilst the fold is practical and clever.