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Stock #24392 |
CB's Die Cast Review: October 31, 2000 |
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2000 First Editions #16
The first Isuzu model to be
represented in the First Editions series is the VehiCROSS, a rugged sophisticated
multi-terrain vehicle.
The car performs well and is conceptually designed well, but there are some problems. The
seam between the die-cast upper body and the plastic lower body is inconsistent. The
headlights are part of the windshield piece and the dark tint causes them to get lost in the
lower body. Other than that, the 1999 Isuzu VehiCROSS is a nice model. The
car is solid and stable, and sits high enough above ground to work with all the track performance
and stunt sets.
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The VehiCROSS is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with dual-overhead cams, 24 valves and a
computer-controlled variable induction system. The extruded aluminum high performance
monotube shocks with external heat-expansion chambers, a design found on no other production
vehicle, are nearly impossible to overheat. The intricate limited-slip differential
system automatically senses and corrects any slippage by shifting torque to the rear-wheel
with the most traction. The lower body in anti-chip polypropylene plastic reinforced by
zinc-plated steel. Safety features include built-in child seat tether anchors designed to
better stabilize the child seat and reduce the potential for head injury.
The Hot Wheels model is a very good representation of the VehiCROSS, and more than just
aesthetically. The die-cast upper body is painted silver metallic, approximating the
prototype Kaiser Silver Metallic finish. The matte hood insert is tamped in black. The
entire lower body is black plastic, full of details including the front grill work, body panel
"Torx" screw holes and gas cap. The taillights are masked and painted a bright red.
The die-cast chassis is zinc plated and rich with underbody detail. Relief is excellent on
the chassis and upper body, and very good on the plastic lower body.
The interior, part of the same plastic section as the lower body, is chock full of detail.
The center console includes the shift stick and parking brake. The dashboard features detail
in the center, although the area above the solid steering wheel is void of detail. Two bucket
seats are up front and a bench seat is in the rear. The glass is smoked tinted plastic,
simulating the tinted glass of the real car, and includes wipers and vents at the bottom of the
windshield. The car rides on the new five-thin-spoke wheels and is manufactured in Malaysia.
