Mattel has unveiled two new Hot Wheels building sets in collaboration with Honda, bringing iconic Japanese performance legends to life in brick form. Announced today at the heart of global toy innovation, the Custom ’90 Honda Civic EF and the ’07 Honda S2000 join the Mattel Brick Shop Speed Series, offering adult collectors and JDM fans a hands-on way to recreate these automotive icons in stunning 1:32 scale. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia, engineering, and creativity, think LEGO meets die-cast dreams, but with authentic Honda flair.
For Kiwi enthusiasts who live and breathe modified Civics and rear-wheel-drive roadsters, this launch feels tailor-made. New Zealand’s JDM scene is thriving, from drift events at Pukekohe Park Raceway to weekend cruises along State Highway 1. These buildable models capture the essence of ’90s tuning culture and modern Japanese performance, allowing builders to personalise their creations just like the real deal. Whether you’re a Honda owner in Auckland or a collector in Christchurch, there’s something irresistibly appealing about assembling your own slice of automotive history.
Reviving ’90s Tuning Icons – The Custom ’90 Honda Civic EF
Let’s start with the Custom ’90 Honda Civic EF, a true legend of the import tuning world. This fourth-generation Civic, produced from 1987 to 1991, became synonymous with affordable performance mods, drag racing, and the rise of JDM culture in the West. Mattel’s rendition nails the details: opening doors that mimic the real car’s access points, authentic window pieces, and headlights that pop with precision. Builders get 248 pieces to work with, including a custom decal sheet for that personalised touch and two sets of interchangeable wheel covers to evoke the era’s wheel-whoring trends.
What elevates this beyond a simple brick kit is the frustration-free build experience. Using smooth resin bricks that snap together effortlessly, complete with clear step-by-step instructions, it’s designed for ages 10 and up but clearly aimed at grown-up gearheads. Top it off with a Hot Wheels signature metal plate and an exclusive 1:64 scale die-cast version of the same car, and you’ve got a display piece that bridges the gap between toy and tribute. At a recommended retail price of £21.99 (around NZ$45), it’s an accessible entry into collector builds without breaking the bank.
The Civic EF’s cultural impact can’t be overstated. In New Zealand, where Honda clubs rally around these pocket rockets, this set is poised to spark a new wave of desktop displays. Imagine customising it with decals inspired by local drift heroes – it’s a nod to the cars that powered the early days of Kiwi motorsport enthusiasm.
Roadster Royalty – The ’07 Honda S2000 in Brick Glory
Shifting gears to the ’07 Honda S2000, we enter the realm of pure driving purity. Launched in 1999 to celebrate Honda’s 50th anniversary, the S2000 was a high-revving roadster (that 2.0L engine hit 9,000 rpm!) built for enthusiasts who crave balance and thrill. Mattel’s take is spot-on, featuring 257 pieces that recreate the sleek lines, including an authentic windshield, spoiler, and of course, those opening doors.
Like its Civic sibling, customisation is key: decals for liveries and two wheel cover options let builders tweak it to their vision, whether stock or slammed. The build includes the same premium touches – metal plate and die-cast mini – making it a collector’s gem at £21.99. Showcased alongside full-size S2000s at the reveal, the model’s true-to-scale detailing shone through, from body contours to exterior accents, proving Mattel’s commitment to accuracy.
For New Zealand’s sports car lovers, the S2000 holds a special place. With winding roads like the Crown Range or Coromandel Peninsula begging for a top-down blast, this brick version lets fans relive the joy on a smaller scale. It’s not just a toy; it’s a homage to Honda’s engineering ethos of fun-to-drive dynamics.
Why This Collaboration Matters for Car Culture
Ted Wu, Global Head of Vehicles and Building Sets at Mattel, summed it up perfectly: “The Honda Civic EF and S2000 are true icons of Japanese performance culture, and through Hot Wheels and Mattel Brick Shop, builders can now celebrate these vehicles by recreating them with their own customisation to display on their shelves”. Echoing that, Rebecca Adamson from Honda Motor Europe – UK, added: “Seeing icons like the Civic EF and S2000 reimagined through Mattel Brick Shop gives fans a new, hands-on way to engage with the engineering and spirit that define the Honda brand”.
This partnership expands Mattel Brick Shop’s line, which already features buildable versions of muscle cars and supercars. By introducing Honda, it taps into the global JDM obsession – a market that’s exploded in New Zealand thanks to imports and events like the DriftZone series. These sets aren’t kid stuff; they’re for adults who appreciate the artistry of automotive design, blending building satisfaction with collector value.
Availability and Getting Your Hands on One
The sets will roll out at select UK retailers like Amazon, Smyths, and The Entertainer, with global distribution to follow. In New Zealand, expect them soon via local toy chains or online imports – keep an eye on www.MattelBrickShop.com for updates. High-res images are already available for download, teasing the detail that awaits.
