Axial SXC10 II Jeep Cherokee: Product test

WHEN regular 4X4 Australia photographer Cristian Brunelli isn’t behind the lens of his camera or driving his AEV-lifted Wrangler or slammed-in-the-weeds VW Country Buggy, he is building and playing with some wicked radio-controlled off-roaders.

When he recently sent us these pictures of this 1/10th scale XJ Cherokee we had to have a closer look.

The car is the latest version of Axial Racing’s SCX10 off-roader, equipped with a new Jeep Cherokee body (licenced by Jeep) and new AX44 (think Dana 44) hi-pinion axles. Other cool licenced parts include the Method wheels, BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres and JCR Vanguard bumpers and rock sliders, all miniaturised to add scale realism to the rock-crawling Jeep.

Under the body of the Cherokee are scale reproduction steel C-channel chassis rails, front and rear metal four-link suspension, and coil-over shock absorbers at all four corners. For more licenced goodness, the shocks can be optioned for officially reproduced units from King or Icon Vehicle Dynamics.

The RTR (ready to run) Axial Jeep is powered by an electric motor that is geared to deliver a good compromise between low-speed rock-crawling torque and faster off-road-racing blasts. The RTR kit comes fully assembled with almost everything you need to have hours of fun (batteries not included). For those who like to build it themselves, there is a ‘builder kit’ of the same vehicle available that allows you to customise the car in your own colours and add more scale accessories such as lights, MaxTrax, Warn winches and other cool off-road gear.

Axial Racing produces a huge range of off-road RC vehicles, including a licenced Jeep-Wrangler-bodied version of the SCX10. Check them out online or search for a well-known RC specialist retailer in your area who can recommend the right kit for you and help you out with everything you need.

RATED

Available from: www.axialracing.com
RRP: Approx. $650-700 (ready to run)
We say: Hours of scale off-road fun.