More on diecast metal and fully opening replicas! LCD Models is showing off its new 1:18-scale Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport! This fully licensed replica will be offered in the following colours: Grey, Red, Black and White. The example comes fully loaded with features, some of which go beyond the base. These include: seats with front, back and tilt features, a functional sunroof and a filler cap, to name just a few.
The challenge: do SUVs provide mass appeal? Does this favour the North American audience or the Asian side? What are your thoughts?
Product# LCD18013
It sounds like that model has some nice detail features. As for models of SUV’s, I must admit that I own a few. However, I believe that the vast majority of SUV’s are “cookie cutter” designs and look pretty much the same as each other. Overall, I therefore think that they’re pretty boring! I doubt if I’ll collect any more of them.
I share your views. I own a couple of models of vintage Land Rovers (a blue first generation Range Rover by Almost Real is a particular favorite) and I do have a soft spot for Toyota Land Cruisers. This one looks pretty good.
Land Rovers, Land Cruisers etc. aren’t “cookie cutter designs”. They are hot commodies all around the world. I guess models of such cars are particularly sought after in the Gulf. They’re only upstaged by the Purosangue, Cullinan, Bentayga and possibly the Urus.
As for this particular model, it’s more appaealing to me than the base version because of the partially red interior (compared with the dreary full black on the base LC 300). Particularly the deep metallic red version looks interesting.
I suppose there will always be two camps – those who live SUVs and those who loathe them. My appreciation for the Land Rover and Toyota brands is based on their decades old proven competence in real world off road conditions around the globe. The other brands you mentioned are for poseurs.
I’m definitely of the third camp: those that love SUVs that have a purpose and loathe those that don’t.
Land Rovers, Land Cruisers, Pajeros, Patrols etc have a purpose: getting to places without roads safely and getting back. Ultra luxury SUVs like the Bentayga, Cullinan etc. offer the wealthy to get to their off the grid mansions without having to move to th plebeian brands mentioned above, so still make sense.
Now SUVs like the Purosangue or Urus I’m not quite sure have much purpose (other than bringing in cash to their respective manufacturers) since their offroad capabilities aren’t much better than those of a regular 4×4 equipped wagon, if at all.
And all of those barely lifted, often 2WD, crossovers and SUVs that have replaced normal hatchbacks, sedans and wagons? Hate those. They bring no additional usefulness, are more expensive, larger, heavier and clog the roads, cities etc.
Well stated!