Scalextric Need For Speed slot car racing set

Game-based slot cars off to a flier the worlds of slot car racing and driving video games have collided – as Scalextric and developer Electronic Arts have put their heads together to produce the Need for Speed slot car set, based on the games console hit.

The first thing to strike us about the package was its quality.

The plastic track was simple to construct, while the 1:32-scale Lamborghini Gallardo and Nissan 350Z models stood up well to crashes.

Included in the set are instructions, with full diagrams, plus labelled parts and spares – handy when the brushes on our Lambo fell off too easily. This took a while to fix.

There’s a close-shave swerve and flying leap, but no banked corners or raised sections.

Instead, the figure-of-eight track has a crossover, which really tests your timing.

Also available is a 1:64-scale MicroScalextric set, which costs £40.

Verdict

 * Contact: 01843 233525, www.scalextric.co.uk

 * Problems? Jump is tricky to master, circuit shorts at crossover, brushes on Lamborghini difficult to fix.

 * So why buy? Sturdy and robust cars, track layout serves up plenty of thrills, easy to use and set up, too.