Radio Controlled Cars

We thoroughly test a range of RC cars to find out which offers the most fun and the best value for money.

Auto Express Car Reviews

June 2010

Just a few minutes racing across your local common or car park is more than enough to prove the enduring appeal of remote control cars. You’ll soon attract ‘boys’ of all ages wanting a go and, while much of the country is enjoying a decent summer, the time is right to make the most of the weather with your own machine.

There’s models for all ages, budgets and skills and the brushless motor and LiPo (liquid polymer) battery revolution has meant you can have the speed of nitro fuel-powered machines without the mess, noise or aggravation.

But which is the machine to put your skills to the test this summer? We charged up 10 top sellers and tackled Snetterton Park Models’ on and off-road tracks to find out.

The Test
Electric-powered cars still rule the roost thanks to LiPo/brushless development and cost-effective, user-friendly lower-powered machines so we concentrated on these.

We also looked at ready-to-run packages (RTR) as these give instant fun and many can be bought in kit form if you already have your own radio gear and batteries.

The higher end versions allow you to add your own choice of power pack and charger. Fun is at the heart of these machines so we looked for those that kept us entertained plus we looked at build quality, modelling and value for money not including any delivery charges.

Contacts
HPI www.hpieurope.com 01283 229400
SP Models (Tamiya race circuit) www.spmodels.co.uk 01953 888232
Tamiya www.tamiya.com 01908 605686
Carson www.wonderlandmodels.com 0131 229 6428
Traxxas www.traxxas.com 0117 9561002

Verdict

It may be the slowest on test but Carson X-Crawlee will keep you amused for hours as you attempt ever more ambitious obstacles. And it is easy on the pocket. Another oddball takes second spot this time from HPI and its drifting E10 Mazda. Affordable and huge fun it just keeps drawing you back to perfect your technique. Traxxas just takes the verdict among the brushless machines with its well-specified Rustler.

Top 3

Carson X-Crawlee FD
HPI E10
Traxxas Rustler VXL Brushless

< Previous Next >

2 Comments

Typo!

The abbreviation 'LiPo' stands for Lithium Polymer and not liquid polymer as stated!!!

By Matty_p80 on 24 June, 2010, 5:08pm

Photo shop journalism again?

Oh come on Autoexpress, Carson will never build the x-crawlee. You've just taken a picture of the Dirt Fox and updated it. Pure speculation

Even if they do build it, wheres your usual comments about 'competing head on with the BMW 3 series'?

By anchovie1 on 9 December, 2010, 12:44pm

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.