The IXO Collections Subaru Impreza WRC pushes the limits of scale modeling, offering a 1/8th‑scale replica that demands two months of dedicated effort and a sturdy shelf for its ten‑kilogram weight.
What the box contains
The kit arrives in a box measuring 77 × 60 × 26 cm, a size that rivals small furniture. Inside, the parts are divided among several smaller boxes, each sealed to protect the painted components from scratches.
The heaviest portion is the car itself, meaning the finished replica will need a solid surface to rest on.
With 859 individual pieces, the kit includes 206 metal parts, though many more feel metallic during assembly. Screws come in two types—designated “P” for plastic and “M” for metal—each available in a range of lengths and diameters.
Building process and challenges
Instructions are organized like a phonebook, breaking the build into distinct steps that correspond to the smaller boxes. The reviewer advises extracting only one box at a time to avoid overwhelming the workspace.
Even with a spacious floor, spreading out all parts would dominate the room, a situation that could prompt a move.
Related: BYD Unveils 1579bhp Denza Z Electric Supercar
Early stages involve assembling the front bumper, wheel, and a suspension strut.
Numerous black rubber hoses appear throughout the model, serving as brake lines, fire‑suppression conduits, and other systems. Some hoses required glue for a secure fit, a step not explicitly recommended by IXO.
Wheels are gold‑finished with hard tyres that replicate the real car’s appearance, though they lack realistic flexibility. Each wheel is a two‑part assembly that must align Prodrive and PZero logos with the spokes, a detail that adds to the build’s intricacy.
Mid‑way through the construction, many metal screws needed to be partially driven, cleared of swarf, and then fully tightened. This double‑driving process, essential to prevent binding, added considerably to the total screw count, which likely reached into the hundreds.
As the chassis came together, the wiring phase began. Small plastic clips and adhesive strips hold the loom in place, but the sheer number of hoses makes routing a meticulous task.
The interior features a hydraulic handbrake and a fire‑suppression system, each with its own set of tubes.
Related: The Obvious (And Obscure) Benefits Of Window Blinds
Later steps include fitting the steering rack, dashboard, and centre console, all of which contain tiny dials and levers.
The roof assembly adds the windscreen, rear window, and doors, with a particularly fiddly mechanism for the windows that required multiple adjustments to function smoothly.
Final touches involve applying water‑soaked decals to the car’s sides and roof. The process can be frustrating; three attempts were needed for a single decal, and the reviewer ran low on spares before completing the task.
The model’s complexity suggests it will appeal most to enthusiasts who relish detail work and have the patience to manage its many steps.
Builders with experience in RC kits or static plastic models will find the challenge manageable, though the sheer volume of parts and the need for precise hose placement may test even seasoned hobbyists.
Performance and final impression
After installation of the batteries, the reviewer initially thought the lighting and sound systems had failed, only to discover the car required an ignition button press to activate.
Related: Porsche to Offer Electric and Gas 718 Cayman
Once triggered, the model produced brake lights, engine sounds, and other effects, confirming the functional electronics work as intended.
Despite occasional misaligned screws and a snapped wire that needed a solder repair, the overall build quality remained high.
The chassis, once assembled, offered a modest amount of suspension travel, and the gold wheels filled the arches convincingly.
In the end, the IXO Collections Subaru Impreza WRC stands as a “money‑no‑object” project for the most committed petrolheads.
The shelf presence is striking, and the sense of accomplishment comes from the fact that the builder assembled every component themselves.
Rush the build at your own peril.
