Matchbox Smokey The Fire Truck

Matchbox Smokey The Fire Truck

Mattel's series of animated vehicles has already proven a huge hit with young children. First we had Rocky the Robot Truck, then Stinky the Garbage Truck, and now we have Smokey the Fire Truck: an animated toy with a huge number of sounds and fun features for kids.

Features of Smokey The Fire Truck

• Smokey talks, 
• sings (four songs) and dances,
• Over 95 phrases and sounds,
• 3 modes of play,
• Lever can be pulled back,
• Water cannon fires colored balls,
• Uses 4 C batteries.

Is Smokey The Fire Truck Worth Buying For Your Child?

In short, Smokey is a toy firetruck with a difference. When he's not talking or singing, he looks just like any other firetruck, and even has real tires. But when he comes to life, his parts move, his eyes flash, and he has a whole personality of his own. One of the best things about Smokey is how realistic his movements are – he really does come to life!

Aside from the talking and the singing (which, in themselves, are great modes of entertainment for kids), there's plenty for kids to do with the truck themselves. They can set Smokey up to blast out different colored balls from his water cannon, to put out fires around town, or use the levers to change the way Smokey stands.

It's clear that Mattel have put a huge deal of thought into this product to make it much more than your classic truck toy. It's part truck, part robot. This will always impress kids, and keep them occupied thanks to the fact that there are more than 95 different sounds included. If your child loved the other trucks from this range, they're bound to love this too. It's recommended for kids aged 3 and above.

The downside is the fact that Smokey can be pretty loud, which isn't always welcomed by parents. He also uses four C-batteries: although they're included, you'll need to replace them when you get Smokey home. Some parents have also complained that the directions weren't detailed enough in teaching kids and parents alike how to set Smokey up and how to make the most out of all of his features.

Smokey the Firetruck may not be perfect, but he is cute and will prove popular with girls and boys alike. For a robotic toy of this kind, he's also affordable for parents!