Matchbox Monday marks the first half of 2025 batch M

I head in to the last batch of the 2025 basic range, as I am so close to finishing off the model year now. It has been another stellar year for models, and we see some really cool models to finish off the basic range set of 125. And all 125 have appeared on time again. They have done a lot better with that recently. Now, if only we can get Target to order correctly, we would not be missing a single thing. So frustratingly close! Anyway, as is often the case, with more than 10 models in the batch, I have split it in 2. I preview the first 6 (& 3/4) here, of which a whopping 4 are new castings. The last batch had a few surprises up its sleeves. Let's get on with it. 

The first model is a new casting. The MB1514 '23 Nissan Ariya Pole to Pole. It takes the MB18 slot in the basic range in tan. 

So, what is the the Nissan Ariya Pole to Pole? We all know the Ariya. It was Nissan's first electric SUV. They had started their electric journey with the Leaf hatchback in 2010, but it took until 2022 for them to come up with an SUV. Funnily enough, the latest 3rd generation Leaf has now shifted from hatchback to compact SUV. A sign of the times, I guess. But, this model is no ordinary Ariya. 

In March 2023, husband and wife, Chris and Julie Ramsey, took a specially adapted Ariya from, you guessed it, pole to pole. They started out at the magnetic North Pole in March, and then took the car through the Americas and down to the South Pole, arriving in December that year. Of course the car was not bog standard. It was taken to Arctic Trucks, who modified the car by raising the suspension, adding 39" wheels, and a few other things, to allow them to make the journey. 

The car was painted in the standard Sunrise Copper Pearl, but was given some additional detailing and logos for the journey. So, how does the model compare?

Admittedly, Garry Gopinath was tasked with this, and he has done a decent job in recreating the real vehicle. It has the huge wheel arches that the real one did. And it does look like the wheels are big in them. However, that is partly because the model is made so small. 

Because, if I was to bring in the older Ariya casting in, the one that appeared in Moving Parts in 2023, the MB1382 '23 Nissan Ariya, you do notice it is the same colour.

But that one is made to a noticeably larger scale. Garry was the one who created that as well, so you can see how certain things are crafted in a similar way. But, the original is so much bigger, and that makes this off-putting. I don't know if they shrunk it down to make the wheels feel more imposing, but I would have preferred for them to have constructed this to a comparable size to the original. 

Because this one looks like a baby brother. Not a chunkier version of the original. Back in the Lesney days, when they came up with an alternative, they would simply use the original tooling, and then alter it to create something new. But, Mattel has a habit of making smaller versions when expanding a model. The MBX Field Car Convertible earlier this year was another example. As was a certain 1968 Ford Mustang Mudstanger, which was smaller than the 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS. It is a trait recently which I am not a big fan of. I like models of cars that are supposed to be the same basic vehicle constructed at a similar scale. Sure, this would have made these current wheels look small, but that would have been the perfect time to construct a new mid-size wheel option between smaller and larger, as 2026 will see a number of new wheel types. I think it was a few missed opportunities. 

The model has been built the same was as the original. The roof being a part of the window section. I have never been a big fan of this style, but on this particular variant, I think it was perhaps the better option. But, I would have done it a different way. Ignore the interior. Create the wheel arches out of the window section. You can't make them out of the base section, as the construction method won't allow it. But, had they done them as part of the window section, the windows would still be smoke, but because the wheel arches are so thick, they would have looked almost black. I think it would have worked. Then, the roof luggage could have been an additional slot-in piece, akin to the Land Rover Gen II Safari, Travel Trailer, Chevy Brockwood. In sold black. Make it stand out better. Because, I feel it doesn't really stand out on the roof. Being quite a narrow luggage section, I do believe it needed to be better enhanced. Does that make sense?

Now, when it comes to the design, I am okay with it. Sure, the real vehicle had more on it than is depicted on the model. But, we know it is a core basic range model, and these usually are limited to 2 passes through the tampo machine. We see the front end is fully detailed, and they have gone with a blank license plate on the front, which is seen on the real vehicle. 

But, as well as a detailed rear, including the UK plate as used on the real vehicle (kudos for making that perfect), we also get the side logos added. Sure, there is no additional design going up to the roof. I would not expect that on a core model. We also don't have the additional logo on the hood. Again, they have gone over the usual tampo pass allowance, so there will be limitations. You might have noticed that the real vehicle also faded to black for the rear. I di think about that, but do feel that on the miniature, it would have made the rear look worse. So, they made a compromise there, which I think is fine. 

So, let's score this. Inclusion. I am not a big fan of the Ariya. It does feel like Nissan made the most generic looking electric SUV possible, and presented it to the public with the tagline, car. Appealing to people who have given up caring about whether a car looks nice. They just need something from A to B. I see Nissan are stopping US deliveries for 2026, although it is continuing in other countries. Not a good sign, though. But, this one is a bit unique. As much as I hate the Ariya, I like the idea of this one. It has a story behind it. And that makes it quite a special vehicle. So, in this category, I will give it a 10. But, where does the casting go from here? Now they have done the initial one, are they going to be able to use the model in alternate designs? It technically can work with a snow themed side design in white perhaps? But, would Nissan be okay with them coming up with alternate designs? I guess we will have to wait and see. Casting. Yes, the big downer for me. Had they not done the original Ariya in stock form, I would not be so fussy about the size. But, this looks silly next to the original. It is so small. If there hadn't been an original, that would not have been an issue. But there is, so, issues. The fact that the roof luggage pack is a part of the model's roof/window section also bugs me. I think they should have split them and left out the interior. As I said, those thick wheel arches could have come from the window/roof section, and still been black enough. Then we could have had a solid black luggage pack popped in, but could be removed for fun (and swaps with other models with other removable roof pieces). A huge missed opportunity for added fun. I am giving the cast a 4. Harsh. But, I am not impressed. What I am impressed with, is design. For that category, I cannot fault it. Aside from perhaps making the back black, but in all honesty, I think it could have looked worse for it, they did an excellent job within their tampo constraints. I can't fault the final design. So, back to a 10 again. That gives the model a total of 24 out of 30. The casting was definitely the sore point of this one. 

Being a new casting, I finish with a base shot. I am curious as to whether they are able to do another. Of if this is a 1-and-done model. 

Now, on to something very surprising. The MB893 BMW 1M. I was not expecting to see this model in the basic range again. It returns in the MB21 slot in white.

This model was created by the late, great, Ryu Asada back in 2013. It saw action until 2016, and aside from a random 9-pack appearance in 2019, this is the first time we have seen it since its last basic outing. Am I happy to see it return? You bet I am! I loved this one when it came out. I always felt it was severely underused. Is it a modern vehicle? No. To be honest, when BMW first launched it, under the proper name BMW 1-series M Coupe, it debuted in 2011 and capped production in 2012 at 6,309 units. So, launching it in 2013, it was already an out-of-production vehicle. But, it was cool. Even now, over a decade later, I still think it is cool. As we have seen in recent years, Matchbox has redefined the eras they work with. We used to see either a modern vehicle or classic. Nowadays, they do like to fill in the gaps in between. So, an early '10s vehicle in 2025? Sure. And this looks stunning in white. 

We get the same front and rear tampos that we are used to seeing on core issues. I cannot fault this. The black wheels look amazing on the white model. I have no qualms in giving this a perfect 10. I hold out hope that we see even more of it. 

Because, if we dive back, you can see how few have been made. The 2013 debut was in metallic orange. 

With 2014 having to have a tiny change to the license plate, due to BMW's request to change the base name to BMW M1. The basic range model was in blue.

But, we also saw a promotional issue in white, for the Annual European Convention in Leipzig, Germany. 

Then, in 2015, Matchbox started being cheeky. BMW may have requested the base name change, but they never really specified other things. Did the red basic range issue for 2015 say 1M again on the license plate? Ha!

Something kept as a recurring theme on core issues. The last basic range outing was in 2016, when it appeared in tan. 

However, it was also given a premium outing, as part of the "Best of" series. This black one had a Best OTW plate, and real riders. 

But, after 2016, the only other time we have seen it is in the 2019 9-pack series, where it came in silver. 

Which means, that this model has only seen 8 unique looks across its 13-year lifespan. As I said, that's not a lot. I was so hoping for more. I still am. 

This brings me to the second new casting to observe in this report. The MB1518 '24 Range Rover PHEV. This one debuts in the 2025 range as MB32 in tan. 

Can you believe that this marks the first time that Matchbox has a regular, bog standard, Range Rover in the basic range? Honestly! This has been a long time coming. Let's recap. The Range Rover was launched in 1970. Back in the Lesney era, they first made a stab at creating one for 1975. But, instead of a regular issue, they added a huge dome on the roof, with a spinning beacon inside, and turned it into a Rolamatics casting. They didn't even use the Range Rover name. It was simply called Police Patrol. I 1978, they came up with a Superkings variant. But, this was still an emergency style, as it was the K-64 Range Rover Fire Control. But, it did use the name. There was an alternate casting created in 1983 for the K-89 Forestry Set. No light, but still additional items at the front, and a ladder and items on the roof. Further police variants were created for K-97 and K-99 as well. A new Range Rover casting was created in 1989. This was both as a civilian vehicle and police vehicle. Where were they? Superkings still. K-164 and K-165, respectively. Then, fast forward to 2004. I was chatting with John Coyne, who had just taken over as head of Matchbox at the time. This was just as they moved to El Segundo, after closing the Mount Laurel R&D Centre. I told him about the lack of Range Rovers in the basic range. So, he took that, and created the MB691 Range Rover Sport. So close. A Range Rover, yes. But, it was the new, smaller version that had just been launched. Then, in 2014, nope, 2015, oh no, 2016, we finally saw a long gestating MB896 Range Rover Evoque. An even smaller model from the Range Rover family. Still no actual Range Rover itself in the basic range. Finally, in 2019, we saw the release of an actual Range Rover. The MB1163 '18 Range Rover Vogue SE. Yes, except it was a Moving Parts model. It actually debuted in Superfast premium before venturing into Moving Parts. 2022 came, and what do we have? AN MB1332 '75 Range Rover. The original. The classic. Moving Parts, again. Plus, they added an MB1304 '16 Range Rover Evoque Convertible in Moving Parts as well. This is the first time that an actual Range Rover is a part of the basic range in a bog standard look. Wow!

So, am I happy seeing the Range Rover finally get a basic range outing? Definitely. Until I saw it. Damn! A window/roof combo. I have made it very well know I am not a fan of the window/roof combo models. But, one thing this has over the Land Rover Defender 90 that was also made this way, is its size. This is big. It feels big. The Range Rover is a luxury large SUV. And this is large. Am I happy about the roof being a part of the window? Nope! Definitely not. It has somewhat spoiled what could have been one of the most awesome debuts ever. Don't get me wrong, the rest of the vehicle is fantastically well done. The shape is spot on. The 5th Generation Range Rover debuted in 2022, code name L460. And they have the shape very well done. 

But, I still don't like the roof. Yes, I know, many modern vehicles have side pillars that look like they blend in with the windows. Many are black in real life, and quite often you discover that the roof itself is also black. Modern Range Rovers are built that way. I see why they do it in a way, as it is technically a closer build to the real one than the traditional body makes the roof style. But, I would still want a body making the roof, and have colour coded pillars and roofs. These do look cheaper made than the other construction method. And the colour coded parts would then be technically wrong. I don't care. It would still look nicer. 

Then we get the design. This pale tan colour is known as Batumi Gold. An official colour option on the 5th Generation Range Rover. Excellent. The front end sees some lovely, detailed tampo printing. Fantastic. Yeah, the windows as a dark smoke, because of the construction method. 

Then we get the back. Nothing. Blank. 

I am guessing the reason is that they had to include the silver side tampo on the door. This may have been a sticking point with JLR, in that they had to include it on a model. But, that is one colour. On either side. Could they have not done a clever manipulation to get the 2 colours on the front and 1 side done, then a splash of black colour on the back (the red rear lights can sometimes be black looking, and they could have just done the black, with cut outs for the name), just to add a splash of colour, and then done the other side. I just feel this is a little bland in its execution. 

Which does deflate things. After the exciting high of inclusion. A perfect 10. So long waiting! The casting score dips to an 8. I am not keen on the way they did the roof. It does spoil it. Down to the design. An 8 again. It's just a bit bland. Uninspired. I was so happy to hear we were finally getting a Range Rover in the basic range. But, the final result falls a little short in my eyes. A couple of little things done differently, and this would have been a whole different story. A proper roof. Rear tampo? Perfect 10 twice. But, we end up with a 26 out of 30. It did better than the Nissan. 

And you might notice the base actually says Range Rover! You might remember when the 2018 Range Rover Vogue SE arrived, they had to put Land Rover on the base for legal reasons. I am glad JLR are no longer that picky. It also doesn't mention PHEV. That was just a packaging thing. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. There's still an ICE engine in there. But, did you notice the casting did have a cap on either side? I bet you now scroll back up to check. Yes, one fuel cap, one plug in charger cap. They do some things right. Why they never added PHEV to the base name, though. I have no idea?

Am I finding shades? You bet I am. Not a massive one. This is a pale colour anyway. But, some come out paler than others. 

I did mention 3/4 in the beginning. Did you catch that? A cheeky little nod to a certain platform 9 & 3/4 that Harry Potter uses to go off to Hogwarts. Well, that is because the MB1447 '62 Ford Anglia makes a return appearance. It notes that it is number 42 of 125 on the card. Yes, the 2024 MB42. Again, just like they did when the popped the Auburn Speedster 851 back in earlier this year, they kept the model number in the package art. They should have deleted it off to not be confusing. I mean, we have already seen MB42 for 2025. The MB1355 Tesla Model S in blue. 

And, as expected, the model is an exact duplicate of the one used in the 2024 run. I found a small shade to the dirt on the Convoy release last year, but this new run is a solid match. The only reason you might want another is if you like card art. The artwork is slightly different to last time. So, moving on.

The next model on the list is another one that was a bit of a surprise. The MB1596 '68 Ford Mustang Fastback. This was not mentioned at the 2024 Gathering as coming in 2025, but due to the notably higher MAN number, I am thinking it was actually a 2026 model that was brought forward. If you were to cast your mind back to the 2024 presentation of the 2025 line preview in Albuquerque, they had noted 2 new castings. A 2015 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon and a Cupra Tascavan. Have we seen either of them. No. As I have always said, when it comes to the stuff they do, they are working around 18 months ahead of models hitting stores, and that means there are lot of items that get shuffled about, dropped, added etc. Things will never go according to plan. My guess is that this has replaced one of the aforementioned castings that did not make the cut. But, as they got it done quickly, it has managed to jump up into the end of the 2025 series. It takes the MB67 slot in blue.

Now, why make a new casting? After all, we have the MB298 '68 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet casting. Well, technically, they are slightly different. However, as we have had a 1968 Cobra Jet, and a 1968 GT/CS, and then 1969 and 1970 has been represented, it is a shame they did not opt for a 1967. When the 1st generation debuted in 1964 (and a half), it saw its first major facelift for the 1967 model year. And Matchbox has never touched the 1967 model year. This will technically be the 4th incarnation of a 1968 model after the Cobra Jet, GT/CS and Mudstanger. 

I had to bring in a Cobra Jet for a little comparison. This is the 2000 More Cars, Cars, Cars 5-pack issue, as it is in a similar blue to the new Mustang. 

Now, the new casting is the regular fastback, not the Cobra Jet variant. So, the hood scoop is not the same. But, although the older one has always felt like it was a little tubby, the new one being notably more sleek, I have to give props to the original's front end. The grille and upper bumper were formed from the interior section, giving an instant colour break. And just look at the depth to those side lights. The inner lights are not a part of a basic fastback. They only appeared on sportier versions. Hence both being correct on that point. But, the new one has no depth to those outer lights. 

Whereas the rear? Yep. Pretty similar. A thinner, leaner look on the new casting. Both appear to have similar detailing there. 

And, unlike a certain Nissan Ariya, these are being made to a similar scale. They are both about the same length. 

So, as I said, this new build is a leaner build. I was a big fan of the older one. I am for most Mustangs, really. But, this new one does feel like they captured the shape of the Mustang a little better. 

But, sadly, that front end is way too flat. Those lights are just not deep enough. The grille is usually black on a real model, so either forming it as part of the body or interior makes no real difference. But, without tampo printing, perhaps the other way might have been a better option?

When it comes to design, it looks like they are going with the chrome interior to form bumpers. I have seen that numerous times in the past, and am not that fussed about it being done that way. I believe this particular blue shade is known as Tahoe Turquoise. It was an official option on the 1968 Mustang. 

But, I do think the tampo printing is quite sparse. I mean, this is it. A little pin striping, and badge, side light detail. That is it. I think the front end really could have done with something. 

The rear does look plain as well. I know I mentioned it on the Range Rover, but that had barely a lick of tampo in the sides. But, when we get pin striping down the sides, we usually see one end done as well.  In this case, the front end is a better option to detail. I think it was a little let down in the final look.

So, let's score this. As a Mustang fan, I am hating myself here. Inclusion. An 8. I love Mustangs, but as I pointed out, this is the 4th 1968 Mustang casting in the basic range. I would have either wanted them to tidy up the MB298 casting and re-use it, or make a 1967 for the first time. 2 alternatives, hence the 2 point drop. Casting. A 9. That front end is not that well defined. Seeing how deep they have made headlights on previous Mustang castings, this one is a bit of a let down. Point loss. Design. A 9 again. The colour is good. Chroming the interior is not a bother for me, as it helps to give us chrome bumpers. But, both ends being plain? In particular, I think they should have done something with that front. It has let it down. Which gives the Mustang a total of 26 out of 30. I still love it. Huge Mustang fan. But, I would have done things differently. 

It is a new casting, so gets a base shot. Unusually, the "made in" section is on the interior part. 

Of course, I had to find a shade. Yes!

And I am technically up to 3 of these already. Because this is one of the castings I won at auction back in Albuquerque in July. 

And that was an early prepro, because if you check the base, it has "Made in [blank]". I have heard that sometimes they cast the models at a different factory, and then they get sent to Thailand for production, hence the blank part. 

This is cool. The MB1184 '65 Land Rover Gen II Safari. It takes the MB82 slot in the series in orange. 

For those who do not know, this livery is a retro theme on the model. It was originally used on the MB180 Land Rover Ninety in the 1993 Off Road 5-pack. It has been slightly enhanced for the modern run, but this is essentially a throwback to a previous look. 

So, for that alone, I am tempted to score this a 10. This is a proper side design, so I know we will not see front or rear tampos. I accept that. But, I am dipping the score a little. I am giving it a 9. Why?

Did they forget something? When Abe Lugo created this casting back for the 2019 series, he gave us an Easter Egg. The roof comes off. Side note, this is how I wanted the Nissan Ariya Pole to Pole to be made. Everything just gels together in this blog. Where was I? Ah, yes. Easter Egg. He created this luggage rack for the roof that was a nod to the classic Land Rover Safari that Lesney created in the 1960s. Fantastic. But, he also created a second roof piece that was a partial load, with 4 spotlights across the front. Where is it? I was a little disappointed with that lack of a hunt. Or should I say a wasted hunt? It appeared in batch M, and rolled over into batch A of 2026. At no point did they make one with the partial load. But, here's the kicker. The promotional sample picture that was created for this model was the variant with the partial load! I am a little upset about that. Hence why I chipped a point off for this one. 

I did find some seriously good shading on this one. But, that does not make up for the lack of an alternative roof piece. And we can't cheat. 

Because, if I was to dive back, when the model debuted in blue in the 2019 range, it had a tan roof piece (or pieces). 

It was also chosen to be the 2019 Leipzig promotional model. 4 different looks. A yellow show model, green dinner, white early bird and blue helper model. All limited, and all coming with items that were glued in place. So, you cannot switch them. But, again, they were tan. 

The 2020 basic range issue came in tan, and this had green roof elements. 

And in 2021, it was in green in the basic range. These had brown pieces on top.

It was also a part of the Best of UK series in burgundy. Those roof elements were grey. 

2022 was the last year it was given any new looks. The basic range was in white, and this had beige roof pieces. 

And it was also a part of the 9-packs that year in red. Another throwback retro livery based on an older Land Rover Ninety look. This Red Valley Camp model has white luggage pieces. 

And it saw further promotional outings that year, as it was the dealer model for the 2022 Albuquerque Convention. Most came in mint green, but a small group were silver.

So, discounting promotionals, as roof elements are glued in, the model has seen 6 previous outings where you could switch things around. But, as you can see, not one had a black roof piece. Now, the big question is, was this a simple blooper on this particular run, or has something happened to that partial roof piece?

And now it is time for the final model. And the 4th new casting I am looking at this week. The MB1500 '25 Polaris RZR Pro R 4 Sport. What a long and convoluted name. It's no Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology pointless rambling, but still pretty long. It debuts in the MB105 slot in grey.

So, I suppose I should break that down. Polaris. A company that makes side by sides, or UTVs. Whatever you want to call these. RZR (pronounced razor), is their most common vehicle. Pro, their professional range (they have a youth range for starters). R is the rally pack, compared to S, the standard pack. Bigger engines, more durable for sand dunes and racing, compared to the standard engines in the S. 4. It's a 4-seater. Sport. Uprated changeable suspension. You can switch between Baja, rock, track and comfort modes. So, there you go, there is logic behind all the letters and numbers. It just sounds a lot when you first read it out. Did we need to mention the Sport part at the end? I honestly don't know if the uprated suspension is a visible element. 

I see suspension parts. Would I not, if it was not the Sport? If anybody knows, please let me know. But, I am going to let that final part of the name slide. It is a mouthful, but I can live with it. Now, do we need more side by sides? Well, to be honest, the previous one, the MB1203 Polariz RZR has not been the best seller. It saw 5 outings in the basic range from 2020 to 2024, and none of these were particularly strong sellers. But, that was a more basic RZR. A small 2-seater. Perhaps the larger 4-seater could do better?

I have to admit, around where I am, they are not selling that well. I don't think kids really know a lot about side by sides. They are not seen on roads. And you need to be the type of person who likes that niche area of fun to enjoy it. If that makes sense. The later MB1356 Polaris Ranger EV that debuted in 2023, and still sees action, is a better option, as these tend to be seen. They do appear on roads, but also in utility fields, and in farming. They are a versatile vehicle. This type of recreational side by side is less well known.

With that being said, the casting itself is pretty well done. I looked at some pictures of real ones. I think they nailed it. The real ones do look a little like this. Obviously, the boars are thicker in ratio to the main body on the model, but that is a safety thing. Make them in proportion, and they might be too easy to snap off. 

The model does actually get 3 passes through the tampo machine. The front end is detailed. Lights and grille area highlighted. You barely see it. But it is there. 

The rear is left blank. That is shadowing on the picture. 

With RZR, Pro R and the MBX logo added to the side (for a little fun). Polaris calls this Storm Grey. It is the lighter of the 2 grey options for the real vehicle. The other is Stealth Grey, and is a darker hue. Beyond that, I think people just customize models. I remember the original RZR coming in various blacks. I wonder if this will end up in various greys. 

So, let's score things one more time. Inclusion. I would say a 4. I honestly don't think there is much of a market for a side by side like this in toy form. Seeing them warming shelves around near me leads me to believe I am not the only one. Casting. Well, they have me there. I can't see anything that they could have done differently. They nailed the look of the real vehicle in miniature, which also may be another reason for it not selling. Getting it so right. A 10. Design. Again, you can't fault the end look. With front and both sides detailed, I would expect a blank rear. So, a 10 again. That puts this at the same level as the Ariya in the final standings. A 24 out of 30. 

Which means I am about done with another report. A final base shot for a new casting. 

3 new castings were not that much different in their colours. 2 tan models and a pale grey. None of them stand out. Although the Range Rover did get a better score. 2x 24 and a 26. 

And the other newbie, the Mustang, came in a lovely brighter blue. Along with 2 older castings in cool colours. 

So, as these head off, I guess I should look forward to what is in store for next week. A final 2025 Moving Parts maybe? Hmm! Until then, I hope everybody has a safe and happy week.