Love it or hate it, Porsche's SUV has proved a success in full-size and
in miniature. Three collector-level versions now exist and provide for an
interesting comparison.
It should be no surprise that Siku of Germany was first to offer a small-scale
Porsche Cayenne. The casting reflects Siku's new level of quality and was
initially offered in brushed silver. The tires are rubber and the front
doors open. A tow hook allows for more play value. Norev is engaged in a
serious battle with Siku for the 1:55 scale market in Europe. Their Cayenne
has more paint detail than the Siku version but the doors do not open and
the tires are plastic. The chromed wheels look better than the Siku versions
and Norev also includes a tow hook. Maisto was not a likely suspect to offer
a collector level Cayenne but that is just what they have done. Part of
their new 'Playerz' series, this Cayenne is an urbanized version with oversized
wheels and rubber-band tires. Paint detail is very good although it's too
bad Maisto had to add Playerz logos. The scale is slightly smaller than
the other two examples, perhaps 1:58. Nothing opens but the interior sports
two-tone upholstery.
For a child, I would select the Siku version with sturdy construction and
opening doors. The Siku example is really still targeted at children so
this makes perfect sense. Still, the Siku sells for $2.50 - 3.00 when found
in North America. The Norev and Maisto versions are more collector oriented
and that's fine too. The Maisto sells for $2.99 and the Norev would be $2-3
Euros.
Porsche is set to offer a four-door sedan in the near future so we may see
a toy version soon. The Cayenne already broke the four-door barrier for
Porsche so why not? |
