Nissan Skyline R34 GTR

Brand: Solido
Material: Diecast Metal
Type: Opening doors
Model: Nissan Skyline GT-R R34
Limited Edition: No
Release RRP: £44.99

Straight out of the box..

This is the first Solido to be added to line up on the website, not my first Solido but just happened to be the pick that was in my photo folder, this is the mighty Nissan Skyline R34 GTR. Now this is the third version, the first version released by Solido was the Bayside Blue road version and as I already own the AutoArt version I only bought the Solido Advan Version (will come in a later short review), so without further ado let’s get on with the look at this budget model.

In detail the exterior.

This version of Solido’s (tied in with Otto-Mobile & GT Spirit) R34 skyline comes slightly non-standard form with big Rota style wheels and some JDM decals to add to the car.. I lost mine somewhere! It’s paint work on my example shown here is good, nice even paint all over, however I don’t think it is Midnight Purple, look at the Otto-Mobile R34 Z-Tune (reviewed here) it’s more blue-ish in its colour. If you’re thinking the Otto-Mobile version might be wrong, well I have an Ignition models R33 400r in midnight purple and it’s like the otto version. That aside it’s still a very nice colour 😀 it’s just not Midnight Purple!

At the front of the model you’ll find something I really like on my JDM models – a Japan style plate and while it’s not a full on correct version it’s good enough to tick the box, I wish more models had a ‘relevant plate’ on them , for me it adds a bit more realism to the overall look of the model.

The lights are in my opinion more than acceptable for the price point and are neat and tidy with a dark inset with chrome reflectors which gives depth to the lights. The GTR badge has been nicely done and the grilles are not mesh but the texture is good and as a budget model its really effective in portraying the mesh look. The front bumper is in proportion with a lower splitter finishing it of nicely.

Moving on to the side the GTR is sitting just right on those large rims, the GTR Emblem and indicator sits nicely on the front wing. The door handle is surprisingly well moulded and of course this does have opening doors and one feature that my older AutoArt GTR doesn’t – a window which is handy if your models are displayed outside of a case or cabinet. The rear quarter panel has the fuel flap detail on the drivers side and the rear boot spoiler.

Round the back the GTR, has all the detail you need, the GTR badging the rear wing is two tone blue and black. The rear quad lights which symbolises the GTR are very good and have the orange inset in the inner light cluster. The decals although not chrome are sufficient and on straight – something that’s quite rare on an Otto-Mobile!

Again as the in the front the Japan number plates really do help with a bit of authenticity. The exhaust are twin with a chrome finish but you can clearly see the moulding line.

The large Nismo wheels are very nice , maybe too large to be standard but they are a nice shade of silver and have some Nismo decals on them. Brembo callipers sit behind on the discs with rubber treaded tyres. Something to note is the wheel nut detail is very good, in fact better than my Ignition Models 400R where the painting is quite messy!

In detail the interior space.

Something that is less frequently seen on new models is opening features, and whilst the Nissan Skyline GTR here has opening doors it’s a mystery why they do this as its nice to have a full opener, but the answer to that question is that I suspect it’s a comprise to keep the model budget priced.

That said the doors opening makes it a damn sight easier to take photos of the interior, and its okay as budget goes, seat are good with some nice moulding work and decaling, dash and door cards are well done , no carpet but then did you really expect that for £44.99? No, of course not.

Verdict?

It’s true that there have been lots of R34 Skyline models since 2000 but there really has been no decent budget ones, only the lower end stuff Jada etc… I like the fact that a Manufacturer like Solido is producing JDM diecast 1:18 model scale cars that people want and need in their collection at a good decent price. So far, we’ve seen R35 GTRs, R34’s, 2 good Supra variants and now a road version Subaru Impreza 22b. I hope they roll out models like the Mitsubishi FTO, Toyota MR2 mk1, Toyota MR-s, Galanza’s and so on…