When an RC model blends a true motorsport icon with a fun, user-friendly platform, it's worth stopping to take a closer look. The HPI Racing VectR4 in 1/16 scale goes straight for the heart of those who grew up with the thrilling world of 90s rallying: it takes the 1996 Ford Escort RS Cosworth, wraps it in an official license, and delivers it to stores in a compact, 4WD, ready-to-run package.
This model's appeal is not just aesthetic. The VectR4 is clearly designed for enthusiasts who want a small-sized model that is fully equipped: rally fans, Ford sport car aficionados, and hobbyists looking for a pre-assembled vehicle complete with radio, battery, and charger. It offers an accessible user experience while boasting technical features that will attract those who look beneath the body shell even before pulling the trigger.
The design showcases two distinct themes. On one side, there's the 1996 Sanremo Rally version, fully capturing the golden era of rally specials with a factory finish rich in graphics and applied decals. On the other, there's the Imperial Blue street version, cleaner and truer to the homologation hot hatch image that made the Escort Cosworth legendary beyond the special stages. In both cases, the key detail is the unmistakable “whale tail” rear wing, a feature that alone can define the model's character.
Also noteworthy is the choice of a clipless polycarbonate body, constructed in two pieces and officially licensed. This solution enhances the visual cleanliness of the model and preserves the body lines without the bulk of traditional external clips. Completing the impressive look are the integrated front and rear LEDs: these aren't mere accessories; on a rally car of this era, lights are a vital part of the vehicle's identity. Moreover, the lighting modes can be controlled directly from the MTX-400 remote, eliminating the need to remove the body.
Under the shell, HPI Racing boasts a fully assembled 4WD shaft-driven chassis, featuring three sealed differentials with 4 gears, adjustable oil-filled suspensions, a completely enclosed transmission, and a balanced layout. In practical terms, this translates to a platform that prioritizes consistent response and ease of handling on various surfaces—two essential aspects when discussing RC rallying. The enclosed transmission is a sensible choice for a model intended to navigate beyond smooth surfaces, while the sealed differentials and oil-filled shock absorbers suggest a more composed and less twitchy behavior compared to toy-grade platforms.
Scale: 1/16
Drive: 4WD
Transmission: Shaft-driven
Differentials: 3 sealed differentials with 4 gears
Suspensions: Adjustable oil-filled
Transmission: Completely enclosed
Included Radio: 2.4 GHz
Transmitter: MTX-400
Body: Clipless two-piece polycarbonate
Lighting: Integrated front and rear LEDs
As an expert, the VectR4’s standout feature is clear: it doesn't just thrive on nostalgia. It possesses a strong identity, two well-defined liveries, and a declared mechanical setup that promises order, protection, and predictable handling. It’s the right choice for anyone seeking a compact RTR rally car with a striking presence in this scale. What to watch out for is its intended use profile: this model invites you to experience it as a complete mini rally car, not merely as a collectible display piece.
If you have a soft spot for the Escort Cosworth, this HPI Racing model deserves serious attention. For the latest details on versions and availability, refer to the official communication released by Radiosistemi for HPI Racing.
