2001 Estima back seats rotate? (and belts question)

[Tarago_owner]

Having owned my Estima MCR30 for over 2 years, I accidentally discovered the front-most back seats actually rotate, so that passengers can face backwards; however, once in this position they can no longer don their seatbelts. (The seatbelts are now across the door opening from the passenger, and cannot be drawn across the passenger in any practical way, as far as I can tell.) Does anyone know if there is some way to adjust the seatbelts so people can travel in this position, or are the backwards-facing seats only for increasing storage capacity or something like that?

[DAY50K]

Mine has special lap belts hidden in the sides of the seat bases just for this setup. They use the same buckle as normal seat-belts. The backwards facing option is only available on the split 1+2 version of middle seat. The "captain's chair" and one piece 3 seater middle seat don't have this rotation option. I guess this is to give a lounge type of seating for picnics and while sitting in huge Japanese traffic jams :)

[DAY50K]

From the owner's manual:

 

[Tarago_owner]

 Ah, thanks so much!

It seems my extra/hidden belts have been removed. I found where they should be attached, but there is just an empty bolt hole.

Would anyone know: would it be a simply matter to buy a couple of strap belts, same as for the middle seat? Is there a same Tarago belt I could find in a typical store, or would it be something special I would need to order from specialist/overseas etc?

 

This car never ceases to amaze me with all its hidden buttons and gadgets and gizmos!

[Tarago_owner]

On 3/25/2016 at 4:00 PM, DAY50K said:

Mine has special lap belts hidden in the sides of the seat bases just for this setup. They use the same buckle as normal seat-belts. The backwards facing option is only available on the split 1+2 version of middle seat. The "captain's chair" and one piece 3 seater middle seat don't have this rotation option. I guess this is to give a lounge type of seating for picnics and while sitting in huge Japanese traffic jams :)

See reply below...also I forgot to ask, are the standard "hidden" belts retractable, or how are they stored when not in use? Many thanks in advance.

[DAY50K]

No they are not retractable. They are a very simple setup as they are only lap-belts. If you want to retrofit them probably the best bet is to find an Estima at the wreckers that still has them.

[paul_j]

When my ACR30's were imported, the lap belts fitted to seats were removed from the vehicle as part of the compliance process.

I was advised that they are not to be re-fitted or the vehicle is no longer compliant.

I guess if you refitted them, had passengers facing to the rear while on the road and had a bingle then good luck with insurance.

It appears that passengers are not to be in rear ward facing seats when the vehicle is traveling on public roads.

There was also a sticker fitted to one of the sliding doors indicating that passengers were not to occupy rear ward facing seats while the vehicle is in motion.

[Tarago_owner]

I wonder why rear-facing seats are illegal? They are 5 times safer for children, according to some quick googling, and it seems to me they would be safer for everyone in any kind of frontal collision. I can't find anything online via google as everything refers me to child-related laws. Oh well.