[REVIEW] Tomica Mazda Familia 1500XG Turbo

Tomica time is here again - not a LeMans-themed model today, but one that hints at next weekend’s Radcast. This is Tomica 4-5, the Mazda Familia 1500XG Turbo. This casting entered the range in May 1985, and couldn’t be more 80s:

The 80s were a good time for Tomica, a continuation of the fine casting detail seen in the 70s, but with even better interiors. This model (aka Mazda 323) features the chrome grille and lights treatment often seen on Tomica of this era. Scale is a claimed 1:59, likely accurate. Fine detail is apparent everywhere, and this model features the snappy door action, crisp glazing, and springy suspension we all know and love. The bold “Turbo” decal is a fun period touch from an era when turbo was exotic. From all angles, it embodies exactly what we associate with an 80s hatch:

Doors open to reveal a detailed interior with an accurate steering wheel, nicely contoured seats, and a gearshift:

Front and rear have similar quality detail:

The base is metal, which adds heft, and contains ample technical detail along with identifying data:

Continuing the theme of unboxed castings from the prior Matchbox review, this is also an unboxed example I am pleased to have in my collection. This model was sold at the end of the Pocket Cars era, I have seen numerous examples on late run cards, and isn’t particularly rare, so if you want one, you should be able to find one without breaking the bank:

And some 1:1s from favcars.com, classics.honestjohn.co.uk, cardomain.com, and enacademic.com, which show a funny quirk of this casting. Tomica 4-5 replaces 4-4, another Familia 3 door. The 1:1 Familia was heavily updated in 1985, and this model appears to have some of those updates, like the shape of the tail lights, grille detail, and lower cladding for the turbo model. However, the greenhouse/windows of this casting appear to be carried over from 4-4, a 1981 style Familia, which had slightly different proportions from the 1985+ model. This must have been sufficient for something made to be a toy, and it is a point of interest.

1985 style:

1981 style: