I love the safe'n'sound compaq. It is prefect for my Astra. DH has been happy in it rearward facing till now (11.5 months), and he is just getting a bit long for it. I have never had a problem with getting him in and out. easy. I will be turning it round on the weekend.
We can easily fit two compaqs and a person in the back seat of our car... well almost easily, it is definately do-able!

ETA - My sister has one in her 2 door astra and it fits easily there too. She would sit on the front seat and pop her DD in, now it is front facing it is easier...