SLOT CAR SETS

Get trigger happy this festive period with our pick of scaled-down racers

BEFORE there were console racing games, slot cars were the only way to experience the thrill of the race track in the comfort of your home.

Now, more than 60 years since the first Scalextric set was created, slot cars are facing competition from all sides. But they’re fighting back, with new features, like multiple cars, digital lane-switching and smartphone apps.

There’s no shortage of choice for the wannabe Lewis Hamiltons out there, but which is the one that belongs under yo your Christmas tree? We went wheelto to-wheel on seven sets to find out.

How we tested them

AS far as we were concerned, the most imp important consideration was how much fu fun each set was. The best were truly addictive, and had us racing for hours. However, not everyone has space to keep a track set up all the time, so we preferred those that were easy to put together and dismantle. Build quality was important, too, especially on sets that are intended for use by children. Finally, we looked at value for money, based on the prices, track options and good upgradability.

Verdict

FORMER champ Anki Overdrive hasn’t really moved the game on any further, and slips into third. Carrera Digital is our favourite for a permanent set-up; we’d love to give it top spot, but it’s too biased to enthusiasts. So, Scalextric ARC Air wins narrowly, thanks to its superb controllers and multiple game modes.

1. Scalextric ARC Air 24H

Le Mans Porsche 911 2. Carrera Digital 132 Night Contest 3. Anki Overdrive Fast & Furious Edition