This has to be one of the most anticipated cars of the year. Both SCX and Scalextric are producing these cars, but SCX have got there first with their version of the gorgeous Aston Martin DBR9.

I want to say, right from the start, that this is a truly excellent model. SCX cars have sometimes had a reputation for being a bit toy-like, not as crisp and detailed as some of their rivals. Forget it, that's history. This Aston could happily sit in a Fly or Scalextric box, and no-one would bat an eyelid. It really is that good.

Because we are sometimes a shallow bunch, appearances count for a lot. The SCX DBR9 simply excels. The paintwork is first class, a deep metallic green, and flawlessly applied. The tampo-printing is equally good, sharp and legible, even down to the tiny details like the sponsors' logos under the door and the drivers' names on the roof. 

The body is also highly detailed. The Aston has quite a curvaceous shape, but SCX have captured it well, at least to my eye. The front bodywork features numerous vents and ducts, all of which are very crisply reproduced. Other little details like the recessed fuel fillers and the raised lip at the edge of the tailgate aren't so obvious, but it shows how much effort has gone into this model. Fit and finish of the detail parts, lamps, glazing etc is also very good. Lights are fitted as standard, red tail lights and blue-white Xenon headlights.

After the extravagance of the exterior, the interior looks a bit plain. It's a shallow tray, so there isn't the opportunity for the detail-fest some manufacturers prefer, but there's enough to keep most people happy. The driver, resplendent in green overalls and green and white helmet, is only present from mid-chest up. A full roll cage is fitted, but the rest of the interior is a plain black moulding, apart from a flash of silver on the dashboard.

But as I said, I think it's enough. With the steeply raked windscreen and shallow side windows, there isn't much opportunity to take a look inside anyway.  

The chassis is almost identical to the recent Ferrari 360 - 'quick-fit' guide, metal contact strips carrying power to the motor, adjustable magnet, solid axles, 9:27 gearing and the motor mounted in a flexibly-mounted pod. 

The pod on my car is more loosely mounted than the Ferrari, allowing it to move much easier. Five chassis screws are fitted, but the centre pair can be removed without causing any upsets. The gear mesh feels smooth and precise, and the tyres only needed a light sanding to get them true.

Out of the box, this has to be the fastest, smoothest and quietest SCX car I've tried. The latest generation of motors seem to have a bit more power, so the DBR9's pace is similar to a standard Scalextric car. The Aston corners strongly, the combination of a fairly strong magnet and the 'rocking' motor mount works well.

I tried the car with the magnet inverted, and with the mag removed. In both cases the car would drift quite nicely but was easy to control and recover. The car seems to have a good natural balance, aided by a relatively long 86mm wheelbase. The tyres gave good grip on my painted Sport track. Any de-slots were caused by me being too heavy-handed with the power and spinning the car, the DBR9 shows no desire to lift its nose and de-slot.

This is a car that I almost didn't buy! 

When I saw that Scalextric were bringing out a similar model I thought I'd wait for that instead. But having seen the SCX version, I had to have one. I'm glad I did, because it's a great car that SCX have obviously put a lot of work into. The detail and finish are superb, right up there with the best. I found the performance more than adequate, especially cornering. When you consider that SCX are one of the lower-priced brands, the DBR9 is great value for money. Definitely worth considering.