Combi Torino DX Full-Sized Lightweight Stroller in Cherry This lightweight and portable full-size stroller is compatible with Combi Centre ST and Centre DX car seats (sold separately).

Features:

  • Stylish European canopy with designer lining extends for increased coverage
  • Seat pad has removable and washable air mesh fabric
  • Five-point harness and deep full recline
  • Removable kid tray with cup holders
  • Large storage basket with easy access
  • Quick and simple low-profile flat fold
  • Adjustable handle with parent cup holder
  • Adjustable footrest that is self-standing
  • Weight Capacity is 45 pounds
  • Measures 31″ x 18″ x 39″

Customer Review: Works for us!
My daughter is now 4 months old and we have used this stroller in every capacity. Since we live overseas and we travel a lot, we wanted a lightweight stroller that could be easily hauled in and out of the car, onto trains, up and down stairs in hotels and metros, etc. This fits the bill. It is easy to carry, once folded, by grabbing onto the side bars.

I think it folds easily (although not one-handed), although my husband (an engineer, by the way) cannot seem to get the hang of it! Yes, the front wheels need to be locked before folding which is a minor inconvenience. It fits very well in our trunk (average size sedan) which was not true of the other contenders we tried (Graco and Chicco). I can even fit the stroller in the back seat, next to her infant seat, if we need the trunk space.

A little known fact: the Graco Snugride car seat fits on this stroller (and the Spoleto) to make a “travel system”. They do not “snap” together so you need to be aware when going up and down curbs and stuff, but they fit beautifully. Just place the car seat on the stroller with the back end in the cup holders on the snack tray. I really wanted the Snugride car seat but didn’t want the mammoth Graco stroller, so this was great.

The basket is a nice size, I think, although it is very hard to get to if the seat is fully reclined for an infant. We just lifted her up for a moment to access it, she didn’t seem to mind!

We traveled all over with this stroller, both with the car seat and with her just in the reclined position. It worked out great both ways. I am 5′8″ and as long as the handles are at the highest position I find it comfortable.

Overall, I would recommend this stroller and would purchase it again.
Customer Review: Functional, lightweight stroller with great features
This lightweight stroller has many of the features found in larger, heavier models. Combi’s forte is lightweight, compact strollers, and this model is no exception. However, Combi has added a few elements not previously found on its strollers, and in my opinion, it’s a significant improvement over the 2002 Savvy I used (and loved) for my now 5-year old son.

Here’s a rundown of the Torino’s features, starting from the top:

Adjustable handle
Like all Combis, the Torino has a single rail-type handlebar. I prefer this type of handle because I find it easier to steer with one hand (or even no hands!) than the double handles of some other brands.

A common complaint one hears about Combi strollers is that they are too short for taller parents to push comfortably. The Torino and the next-step-up model, the Spoleto, are the only Combi models to feature a pivoting handle. (A few other Combi models have added an inch to their stationary handle height.) To change the height, simply push the buttons on either side, and tilt the handle up or down. Despite this, taller parents may still find the Torino too short for comfort. At 5′7″, I’ve had to adjust my handle to the highest level to feel comfortable.

Larger canopy
Another improvement is the canopy on the Torino. It extends several inches beyond those on previous Combi models, which provides better sun protection. (Like almost all strollers, except some Peg Perego models, the canopy is still inadequate to protect properly when walking into the sun.) The canopy includes a peek-a-boo window for checking on baby. A nice feature Combi has added is the ability to snap the canopy back to a “medium” position, allowing you to see your child even more easily at times you don’t need to use the full canopy.

Parent amenities
The Torino has a small, snap-in cupholder that will accommodate a standard water bottle or coffee cup, but probably not your iced vente mochaccino. The back also includes a slim, wide pocket for your wallet and cell phone, or a few changing supplies.

Reclining seat
Like most Combis, the Torino’s seatback has three angles: upright, partially reclined, and fully reclined, making it suitable for an infant. The seat lowers with the push of a button on the seatback. Be aware that the upright position is actually slightly reclined, which bothers some children.

Harness
The five-point harness is, as on most other strollers, fully adjustable, but it’s a bit of a pain to do so, involving the usual threading and unthreading of straps through buckles.

Footrest
An adjustable footrest, and safety boot, make the Torino comfortable for a fully-reclined infant.

Removable snack tray
With the Torino, and its sister product, the Spoleto, Combi has finally added a child snack tray. Release one side, and the tray swivels for easy in-and-out access; release both and remove the tray. The cupholder on the tray is large enough to accommodate a standard “sippy” cup.

Basket
The Torino DX has a larger basket than previous Combi models. It’s easily accessible when the seatback is upright, less so when it’s partially reclined, and virtually inaccessible when the back is fully reclined. While the basket is as large as any I’ve seen on a lightweight stroller, I’m curious about why Combi hasn’t included a basket that drops down for easy access, as a few other smart manufacturers (Graco) have done on their higher-end models.

Wheels
The Torino’s front wheels swivel for maneuverability, and can be locked in the forward-facing position for stability. The rear wheels sport individual tab brakes. As on other Combis, the wheels are plastic, presumably because it’s cheaper and lighter than rubber; however plastic doesn’t’ provide as smooth a ride as rubber, and tends to wear out faster. (You can purchase replacement wheels from Combi, should this happen. The wheels just snap in an out of place.) For me, this is an acceptable tradeoff for the Torino’s lightness and easy maneuverability, as I plan to use it primarily as my “car-trunk” stroller, for shopping and other errands. For longer walks and jogs, I use my Phil and Ted’s E3 Explorer, which offers the ride and ruggedness of a jogging stroller.

Folding
The folding and unfolding mechanism is very easy to use, as in other Combis. Simply release the two locks on either side of the handle and tilt backward. A lock on the side of the stroller keeps it closed. It’s not one-hand folding, like a few other brands, but it works so smoothly and easily that most parents will find this no problem. However, urban parents who plan to use the stroller on public transit may prefer a one-hand fold stroller, which will allow them to keep a hand on a wandering toddler.

Once folded, the stroller will rest standing up, so it takes up little floor space and stays clean. One minor quibble is that the front swivel wheels should be locked in the forward position for proper folding. (This is the case with most swivel-wheel strollers I’ve used.)

Size
The Torino weighs in at 16 lbs.–not the lightest lightweight stroller, but certainly a breeze to haul in and out of a car trunk. Its folded footprint is flat, and wider than Combi’s tri-fold models, but it fits handily in the trunk of my Toyota Camry, either vertically or horizontally, with plenty of room to spare. You may prefer a tri-fold model if you have very limited trunk space, or plan to travel a lot with the stroller and will need it to fit in storage bins.

The Torino will accommodate a child up to 45 lbs., which is excellent for a lightweight stroller.

Assembly
Although a few portions of the manual are typically cryptic, this idjit was able to assemble it in minutes. Parts snap together easily.

Upholstery
The 2007 Torino DX comes in two patterns, cherry/grey, and lawn (green)/grey, made of breathable mesh fabric that can be removed and washed. The underside of the canopy features a “mod” gray polka-dot pattern. The overall effect is clean, modern, and (to my eye) attractive. The EX (which may be an older model–it isn’t clear) is aqua/black. I am unsure what the other differences are, except that, in the photos, it appears that the EX’s basket is smaller.

Frame
The frame is made of lightweight metal, with red or green plastic handle and side arms. In my opinion, the colored plastic looks a little cheap, but isn’t overly offensive.

Durability
Like other Combis, it feels a touch insubstantial, but my old Savvy lasted through 4 years of very heavy use, and I would expect this to be as durable. Every Combi stroller comes with a one-year warranty.

Infant Carrier Compatibility
The Torino comes with an adapter that allows it to accommodate any Combi Centre infant carrier. I haven’t used it, so I can’t comment on it.

Price
Retailing at around $160, the Torino is in the upper-middle range of lightweight strollers.

The bottom line:
The Torino is an attractive, feature-rich lightweight stroller that’s perfect for suburban walks, errands, and mall-crawls. Public-transit riders (or frequent-fliers) may prefer a tri-fold or one-hand fold stroller, while for long walks or uneven terrain, a jogger, or a full-size stroller, may offer a more comfortable ride for baby.

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