Looks like I'm amongst the first to get my hands on this new model, and I must say I have been pleasantly surprised at the bang for the buck this car offers.
Pros:
1. Great scale looks, including actual tinted windows. The car would look good sitting on a shelf as a scale model, and except for the badges looks like an accurate representation of a VW Polo. It even has a dashboard and a partial interior!
2. Body and chassis overall seem well made and doesn't have a cheap feel to it. For it's size if feels like it has some weight to it too.
3. Proportional steering and throttle.
4. AWD
5. HUGE battery compartment for the size of the car and battery.
6. Lights
7. Extra set of drift wheels/tires and hardware.
8. Controller feels great, has a foam wheel, easy to access steering knob one-handed.
9. Budget friendly! Only $35 USD!!!
10. Takes a panel liner well, and also agrees with Tamiya Extra Thin cement to help keep all the small parts on!
Cons: Only one real con in my opinion...
1. No suspension. Nothing... This of course limits where the car can be run, pretty much smooth and hard surfaces. Tile, a wood floor, cement garage, etc. Tarmac would be too rough for it. The again that's probably the reason this car only costs $35 USD.
Other notes:
1. Not particularly fast. For a small car running in a limited space like a living room or a kitchen, this is not a bad thing. The car comes with a single cell LiION battery, and I suspect that an upgrade to a true LiPo 1s battery will wake this model up!
2. No power switch on car. You plug in the battery and it's on.
3. Chassis is set up more like a grand touring car than an actual drift car. Meaning that the steering angle is more conventional, and again it's an actual AWD setup.
4. Needs decals! It's the little personal touch thing...
At the end of the day, it is what it is... This car is a VERY budget friendly, beginner friendly indoor racer meant to be run on only smooth surfaces. I'm looking at this car for it's own merits, not comparing it to other brands even though there is the obvious temptation to do so. Quality wise it's definitely better than toy grade and it looks like it could be modified somewhat, plus it doesn't feel cheap and flimsy like toy grade models usually do. At the same token the lack of a suspension is preventing me from calling it full-on hobby grade. Maybe I'm being too picky... I have to keep in mind what this car is and whom it's targeted for, and taken from that context it really is perfect! Personally I loved scale looks of the model and that's why I bought it. The fact that this car costs so little for what you get is what really makes it such a fantastic bargain!
Verdict: Recommended!
