Exterior Features, Quality:
The NSX is considered by many to be Japan 's first supercar, a “Ferrari-fighter,” and when it went on sale in the Summer of 1990, it changed the supercar world entirely, bringing together years of Honda engine technology, and lightweight construction. The NSX lived on in this unchanged form for more than ten years, until it received a slight facelift a year ago.
Kyosho's NSX model is an oldie, the mold itself dating back from the early 90s, but much like the real NSX itself, Kyosho's replica of this amazing car has received minor upgrades along the way. The model reviewed here is the latest version of the mold. One can immediately see that the detail here cannot compare with newer Kyosho models. Front lights are very detailed, with clear lenses. The front air vent is perforated although it's quite hard to see. However, the big surprise here is that the turning indicator light is a sticker, much like in Maisto models. This was a huge shock, considering this is a Kyosho, after all. In fact, the side rear light is a sticker too. The tires are marked Advan HF, which is accurate, but the brake discs are not detailed at all and brake calipers aren't even present!
Hoping that the rest of the model would be a bit less disappointing, one can check out the fairly well detailed windshield wipers with a defined shape and realistic look. The rear lights (or light shall I say?) are excellent, with a real depth and shape. However, the rear backup lights are painted on. The license plate is very nicely done, and so are the chrome exhaust pipes at first glance, but they're not hollow, which is yet another disappointment here. However, I must say that the model itself looks and feels like a quality piece. It's just when you get down to the details that you see what sort of advances the diecast industry has made in the past years, and how this model got left behind.
21/25
Interior Features, Quality:
It certainly is a dreary place to be in: black seats, gray carpet and a black dash with darkened instruments. However, several things here Kyosho pulled off quite well. The seats are very soft and have a rubbery quality to them, while retaining the proper shape and looking quite realistic. The carpet is thick and rich, one of the best I've sampled. It's all over the cabin too. The steering wheel feels nicely padded and is pretty well detailed. But, the rest of the interior did not go over so well with me. The dash is sparsely detailed, covered completely in black, with moldings to represent the various controls. Granted, the real NSX's cabin was not an exciting place to spend time in either, but Kyosho could have done a lot better here. Lastly, the roof is not finished, with supports for the rear window and windshield being very visible and uncovered. Unfortunate, and at this price level, a big mistake.
21/25
Features:
The NSX features moveable headlights, opening doors, rear window, engine cover and rear trunk. Kyosho made no effort to have the front compartment open. The light covers open up to reveal a fairly decent effort on Kyosho's part, and certainly a unique feature in a model. They add a touch of realism to the model that is sorely needed. Doors use mini-dogleg hinges, which look fine in this black model, but might appear more out-of-place in an NSX model of a brighter color. The rear window opens up…but doesn't stay up. The back of it is nicely textured, however. Directly underneath it is the engine cover; like the window, it doesn't stay up, but the engine it reveals is fairly nice, with accurate markings and some sharp details. However, the engine is neither plumbed nor wired. It still looks somewhat impressive and certainly does not hurt the model's score. The trunk cover does stay up and the trunk is excellent, with rich carpet and good finish. Nicely done there, but overall, this is way below what most Kyosho models offer.
20/25
Value:
Speaking of value, it's hard to say. The model will certainly be rare in the future, as NSXs were sparsely distributed and become very expensive in the future. As an investment, this may not be such a bad idea. However, when considering the amount of details for the amount of dollars you spend, the NSX isn't such a good bet. The price is in the typical Kyosho range, but the detail is noticeably below the Kyosho average. While there were more colors made for the Asian market, as Hondas, the 1/18 NSX was released in red and yellow, along with the black shown here, the yellow version representing the Acura NSX-T. Along with Kyosho, Revell used to replicate the NSX in 1/18, and has just started to reintroduce NSX models into the 1/18 scale market, with few improvements over the old version. Thus, there are no great NSX models you can choose from, but rest assured that both the Revell and Kyosho versions are rare and desirable.
22/25
Overall:
This one could have been better. A lot better. As just a model, it's good, with a lot of unique features, rich paint, and assured rarity. However, as a Kyosho, it just doesn't cut it, with poor finish, unrealistic lights, and some unrealistic features. By no means does it mean that you shouldn't get the model, as it displays well and looks superb until you start getting into the details. However, the model doesn't quite do the car justice, but considering the age of the mold itself, it is still a desirable model, worthy a spot in your collection.
