Every time I get into our FX50 and have to install my child safety seat anew (which is every time I switch cars), I am reminded that I love the hinged cargo cover. It's like having a trap door from the back seat to the cargo area.
After I cinch down my kid's giant car seat, I always make sure to secure the top tether to the top tether anchor (which is often on the back of the back seat, below the cargo cover). To do this in many SUVs and hatchbacks that have rigid cargo covers, I have to jam and squeeze the top tether's large buckle through a tiny space not really designed to accomodate such a thing. Not so with the FX50. The hinged section of the cargo cover that's closest to the back seat easily just pushes down to let me drop the tether down where it needs to go.
I still have to walk around to the back to secure the tether to the anchor and pull the strap tight, but I really appreciate the convenience of that trap door.
Here's another view of the hinged section in action.
It's also handy when I'm in the back seat and want to stash something (small-to-medium in size or very malleable) in the cargo area without having to get out and put it through the rear hatch. I love this feature.
Bryn MacKinnon, Senior Editor, Edmunds.com @ 28,383 miles
thehamsterman says:
07:11 AM, 01/12/10
Yeah, i like that feature on my mazda3 hatch as well. The front portion comes up a little bit, just enough to toss smaller things in there from the back seat.
Unfortunately (luckily?) i don't have kids to try out the car seat LATCH stuff, but i assume its an easy task.
drunkenpanda says:
07:35 AM, 01/12/10
Is that the permanent location for the first aid kit? Seems like the biggest after thought in the world.
k2rm says:
09:09 AM, 01/12/10
The first aid kit is held in place by velcro so it can be placed anywhere in the back that is carpeted. There is also room under the floor in the spare tire compartment, which is where I store mine.