Hello, this is Baek Moon-jo.
It’s been a while since I’ve left a greeting at the start of a post. When I write about vehicles, I tend to get serious, almost as if I were writing for a university newspaper. I think it’s because I need to base my writing on accurate information.
This seriousness makes my greetings feel awkward. On the other hand, posts about diecasts feel lighter and more comfortable.
So, I think I’ll keep my greetings brief in future lighter posts. Anyway, let’s dive into today’s post!
Today, I’m introducing a model of the Chevrolet Trax in a lovely white color. This is a 1/18 scale model, which is what I primarily collect.
Recently, I noticed that the prices for new products and even used ones have dropped significantly. Seizing the opportunity, I purchased it secondhand!
Personally, I like the clean appeal of the white color, but I’m not fond of diecasts in white.
I find that the characteristics of diecasts often highlight issues like paint chipping and uneven gaps, which become more pronounced in white models, ultimately giving them a toy-like feel.
Especially with CM manufacturers, the generally poor paint quality can become a significant problem.
Still, I’m not sure if I was just lucky, but I noticed relatively few instances of paint chipping. However, the uneven gap between the hood and the driver’s side fender poses a downside, especially for a diecast aiming to replicate the actual vehicle.
However, I did encounter a paint defect that I’ve never experienced before while purchasing diecasts.
I noticed that the paint on the hood component was bubbling, and when pressed with my fingernail, it left an imprint. It felt like the paint would peel off if scratched. I think I heard similar issues occurred with the 1/18 scale Hyundai Avante XD (Elantra) produced by CM a long time ago.
Overall, it’s a fantastic model, but these minor issues detract from its appeal.
At the front, the details feel quite impressive. The model accurately represents the size and proportions of the headlights and grille compared to the real vehicle.
Compared to the actual vehicle, the details of the headlights and grille appear consistent.
The detailed features are sufficient, and the chrome accents scattered throughout look clean.
Unfortunately, the grille is blocked, and the license plate features Chinese characters, but I can overlook these issues.
The caliper paint is a separate detail I added.
The 18-inch stock wheels are painted in a silver color with a slight pearl finish. The Chevrolet emblem is clearly printed in the center.
One downside is the lack of a clean finish on the wheel edges. By the way, the tires look shiny, almost like they’ve just been treated with a water-based tire dressing after a wash.
The side mirror folding feature is now a standard addition.
Personally, I really appreciate the front design, where the LEDs are densely packed, giving it a stylish look. I also love the rear, which appears neat and tidy.
The rear design aligns with my preferences, but the lettering appears misaligned, likely a production defect.
The rear lamps also exhibit a similar level of detail as the front.
However, the silver part on the rear bumper isn’t a separate component, which gives it a somewhat flat appearance.
By the way, what’s up with the emblem?
The interior details are decent. They’ve captured areas that should be painted well, and the cheap plastic feel of the real car is also reflected in the model.
However, throughout this post, I seem to have used expressions that lack excitement. I’m not sure if it’s because my interest in diecasts has waned or if it’s because the Trax isn’t a favorite of mine.
This also applies to the trunk’s luggage screen opening feature, which feels rather unremarkable.
They did a decent job representing the small engine. Some parts have awkward white or red coloring, but the turbine looks quite good in terms of both color and shape.
Although they likely used a single piece for the engine, this level of detail keeps it visually interesting.
Overall, my review of this model is that CM has certainly produced a well-made diecast.
While minor production flaws like paint bubbles and misaligned emblems are noticeable, they seem minor compared to previous CM models.
If they resolve these issues, they could become an even more outstanding diecast company, although the price might increase.
Currently, both the secondhand market and new products are reasonably priced, especially if you buy from overseas. It’s worth considering bringing one home if you’re interested.
That wraps up today’s post. Thank you!
- February 7, 2020, by Baek Moon-jo