Background:

I saw a lot of these Mazda Flair cars and the identical Suzuki Hustler vehicles whilst on holiday in Japan. This seemed like a suitable reminder of the trip.

Kit review:

Pros:

Very well moulded and detailed. Push-fit construction means theoretically perfect fit for everything and no mess with glue. Aside from the front mentioned below in Cons, it all fits together very very well. The bodywork plastic is so high-gloss that the kit could be built without painting. Choice of decals or stickers. Zero seam lines on any part of the body. Good rubber tyres. Separate door handles - nice.

Cons:

For the life of me I could not get the bonnet or headlights to sit quite where they should, although the big panel gap does look at least like a design feature. They are all push-fitted in as far as they'll go. In addition some of the push fitting is very very tight on the tolerances on many parts of the kit. The black plastic trim around the wheel arches and sills was easier completed by removing the push-fit nubs and then gluing in place.

Verdict:

A great kit for beginners and seasoned modellers alike. Not quite as perfect as it seems upon opening the box but good nonetheless.

Build notes:

Third completion of 2026, built in about 11 days over March/April. Painted with Toyota Aluminium Jade, clearcoated with Mr Hobby. Aside from the Tamiya-sourced Mazda emblem on the back of the car, everything is as Fujimi supplied.

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