We haven’t explored an OttOmobile scale example in some time, so we checked our stockpile for something, new and unique. The model we choose is the 1:18 Honda CR-X MKII 1988. Initially released in November 2017, the exterior featured here was a Silver Metallica finish. Our example is from OttOmobile’s October 2020 assortment and completed in Rio Red.
The Honda CR-X also stirs up some personal memories of my youth. The Honda and Volkswagen wars of the period as still very vivid. In 1995 I bought my first car, a new Volkswagen Golf GTI (this was the MKIII edition of GTI – fat and underpowered, but I loved her) Shortly after purchase, my good friend at the time secured, you guessed it Honda CR-X! The rivalry from that moment on was cemented. Many years later that contest of which marque is better is still a bone of connection. And to date, I’ve only owned German cars – “if it ain’t German it’s crap!”. Joking aside both cars represented something special to both of us. It’s a guy thing that many of you would truly understand, and one that fuels that passion for scale model collecting today for most of us!
In these ever-escalating cost increases, it is cool to have an ally in your corner, that is OttOmobile. Why do you ask? Well, for one, they keep investing in the unique and obscure assortment of cars well known to the European, Asian and North American fans. And second, if you order direct, their pricing comes in at about $89 CND per model. Yes, these are static examples, but, if you’re honest, how many of their models would go into production with the mainstream, full access brands? Few to none!
There is a lot of debate about resin replicas, but they serve a purpose in my opinion. I rather have something in scale than nothing at all. And worst-case scenario, a placeholder until something more refined comes to market.
As for the model, out of the box, the Rio Red is perfectly applied and accurate in definition – love the added decal work to the side. The lower section of the exterior body is executed in a matt-like Black finish, this Black also extends to the moulding that circles the entire car. Aerial post is there but found in the closed position and the rear wiper along with the front equipment is included. Looking at the overall design, I would say OttOmobile does capture the model well in scale – right to the classic second window in the rear.
The front section is simple in design. The Centre grille is not revealing any detail in the back, solid finish, however, it does not impact the look terribly due to the Black paint here. Headlights are decent and provide the OEM detailing.
The rear section is more detailed than the front, the most obvious is the rear glass with heating elements and wiper as mentioned earlier. The Honda CR-X also provided a secondary glass that ran parallel with the rear, very unique for the period – love the extra detail OttOmobile used with the multiple dots to create the tinting effect. See the photo below.
Taillights are quality along with the chrome dual tips. Si badge with Honda emblem is centre complete the package.
Wheels are true to the period and feature the seven tear-drop design. Nice work on the Silver paint and centre Honda logo. Due to the OEM wheel design, not much of the braking components are visible to the eye.
Inside the model does reveal a right-hand drive version and also the full upper glass in the roofline as opposed to the optional sunroof. As for interior accuracy and definition, it is more than acceptable based on price. If I was honest here, in some cases seems better than higher-priced examples. A little colour is added with the retro seat fabric. Awesome!
In the end, I applaud OttOmobile for its continued unique assortment and overall value. The Honda CR-X in addition to its quality and value for the money does stir up some great memories for me. Yes, the model is static, so there is no access to the motor, boot or interior, hence the price.
This model of the Honda CR-X does come recommended! If you’re are new to the brand OttOmobile, look into their complete assortment of past and future assortment, you’ll be quite surprised with the breadth and uniqueness of their assortment. They definitely have a passion for cars. Enjoy the pics!
Thank you for such nice review! I recently bought one sample of the red edition, and sold the silver one to make room for it, but I kept preciously the glossy black edition. Happy that Otto exist as they fill a void in the market, at a good price.
You are welcome. We know this doesn’t fit the supercar appetite, but definitely a cool model nonetheless. Great value too!
Lots of the usual Otto issues with this – a roofline that’s nothing like the real car and the headlights are far too big. The tailgate shape is off too. I know they’re cheap but their models all look weird because they’re just not accurate.
I know Otto isn’t perfect, but they still offer examples that are more true to the actual cars than some other brands such as one model and LS that charge far more, and are totally inaccurate and cheap looking by comparison.
And all this for around $150-$170 CAD for the average new release if you buy from the right site. Never mind the fact as well that their range of cars is quite immense. Including a number of cars no one else has bothered to release in 1/18.
We’ve seen a couple of LS models in the flesh. Agreed, very poor and should be priced the same if not less than OttOmobile. I think the only win for LS is their lead with some odd-ball specimens.
I don’t know much about One Model, but saying that “Otto aren’t as bad as xyz” is damning with faint praise. Otto (and sister brand GT Spirit) are not good enough IMO. They just can’t get A-pillars and rooflines right. Their paint is way too thick so their models never look sharp enough, which should be where a resin model excels compared to diecast (based on manufacturing method limitations). The bonnet creases on this are a great example – they’re bonnet blobs.
It shouldn’t annoy me as much as it does, but it feels like Otto/GTS get a free pass from collectors who are quick to criticise other manufacturers for their material choices. Using the inherent advantages of resin as a modelling material, and getting the shape right, should be the least they offer.
Can’t please everyone I guess