Honda CR-X

The Honda CR-X is another small Honda that has a significant presence in the racing world. Much like its sister, the Civic, this generation of the CR-X had a reputation for reliability and bonkers performance for a reasonable investment. Hot Wheels also had another CR-X model that was based on the 1985 year model. For 2019, this new CR-X casting is based on the second generation car that was in production from 1988 to 1991.

Like most Hondas, the CR-X stable came in different flavors but the stand out model is definitely the JDM SiR model which was equipped with a VTEC B16A motor producing 150 PS. Weighing less than a ton and gifted with brilliant handling dynamics, this made for an excellent car to toss around the bends.

Like a lot of Hot Wheels’ recent JDM-inspired castings, this CR-X has been designed by Ryu Asada. Once again, props and thanks to this guy who brought us the 2017 GT-R (R35), the Nissan Skyline R30, and Honda S2000 among others.

The first mainline release of the Hot Wheels Honda CR-X is a red and black nostalgic back-to-the-eighties look. The casting made perfect sense with no additional bits and pieces on the casting. This was a pure Honda CR-X slapped on with a set of 5SP wheels. Not that great of a wheelset, but definitely makes sense if this Hot Wheels casting did come out three decades ago. This is a car waiting for a Car Culture release, and that needs to be soon.

Honda City Turbo II

The Honda City Turbo II was introduced into the Hot Wheels mainline in 2018 under the Speed Graphics series. There’s really nothing wrong with the introduction of this car, which is relatively unknown to most people outside of Japan. But I am glad that Hot Wheels is tapping into the potential of these standard/subcompact cars.

The Honda City is a subcompact hatchback designed with fuel economy in mind. The “tall boy” design made for a short wheelbase but generous headroom. Along with the relatively upright seat arrangement which created generous legroom for the occupants, the Honda City was an instant hit in its domestic market. The Turbo version was introduced in September 1982. And the Turbo II came into the market in November 1983. The Turbo II came with a turbocharged 1.2 L CVCC engine that made 110 PS at 5,500 RPM and 159.8 Nm of torque at 3,000 RPM. Couple this with fender flares, a wing and side skirts on a car that weighs less than a ton and you have a pretty lively pocket rocket.

We need to thank Hot Wheels designer Ryu Asada for bringing this casting to life for us. With the designs of the Hot Wheels Honda S2000, the 1990 Acura NSX, the 2017 Nissan GT-R, and the 1982 Nissan Skyline R30 under his belt, it’s no surprise that this JDM classic looks darn fine.

The 2018 Speed Graphics series gave us the white and black versions with the racing stripes, “turbo” graphics, and a number 5 on the sides. The casting itself comes complete with the bulging hood, the rear wing, fender flares, a front air dam with space for the intercooler, and other little details. It came with the recently introduced DDisc wheels which look good on this car, almost like it was a period correct wheel design. It is a nicely designed piece and would look good in any JDM lover’s collection.

But it didn’t really fly. It is an underdog in the first place. And with 2018 giving us a Nissan Skyline R30, a Skyline GT-R R33, a Mercedes-AMG GT3, a Porsche 917 LH, and even an Audi RS6 Avant, it was going to be a losing fight. It is still very much welcome in my toy box though.