Academy 15624 - 1:24 Santa Fe MX5

Snap-fit model kit of the Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 in 1:24 scale

Academy 15624 is a 1:24 model of the fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe (factory code MX5), released in September 2025. The kit comes from new tooling and is designed to be built without glue: the parts snap together and the sprues are produced using multi-colour injection (MCP), so painting is not required. Nothing prevents you from treating it as a conventional kit and painting it fully.

The model captures the angular, boxy styling of the new Santa Fe along with its distinctive H-shaped lights. Several choices are made during the build: the tailgate can be fitted open or closed (with the struts and the cargo cover reproduced), the roof can be built with or without a sunroof, and the interior can be finished with the chosen headliner option. The bonnet on this model is fixed closed.

What's in the box:

• Multi-colour injection (MCP) sprues
• Parts to fit the tailgate open or closed, with struts and cargo cover
• Roof parts with and without a sunroof
• Parts for the interior headliner finish
• Decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:24
• Catalogue number: 15624
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Assembled length: approx. 201 mm, wheelbase: approx. 117 mm
• Assembly: snap-fit, no glue
• Skill level: beginner

Please note: the model is intended for self-assembly. The kit does not include paints or modelling tools.

Building the model:

Snap-fit assembly means no glue is required — the parts press together, and the coloured sprues give a clear separation of colours without painting. That makes this a good entry point for newcomers to the hobby and a convenient option for a quick, satisfying build. It is worth noting that many modellers still use small amounts of plastic cement on snap-fit kits to make the joints secure, especially on parts that will be handled often.

If you plan to paint the model conventionally, we suggest deciding before you start — sub-assemblies are easier to paint separately than a completed body. Priming the body and finishing it with a gloss varnish, as on modern passenger cars, works well; we recommend applying the decals over a gloss coat to limit decal silvering. For the interior, a light wash is worth considering to bring out the panel lines of the upholstery and dashboard. The choices of tailgate, sunroof and headliner are best made at the outset, as they affect the order in which the interior parts go together.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling sprue cutters
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Optional: plastic cement to reinforce individual joints
• Optional for conventional painting: primer, modelling paints, brushes in various sizes, gloss varnish
• Optional: a wash to emphasise interior details

About the vehicle – Hyundai Santa Fe (MX5):

The fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, factory code MX5, was unveiled in 2023 with series production starting in 2024. The model marked a clear break with the styling of its predecessors: instead of soft, flowing shapes the designers chose an angular, boxy silhouette with upright body lines and distinctive H-shaped lights.

The change of proportions also served a practical purpose — the longer body and high roofline allowed three rows of seats and a large, regularly shaped boot with a wide-opening tailgate. The Santa Fe sits in the D-segment SUV class and competes with family seven-seaters.

The powertrain range includes a 2.5 T-GDI petrol engine and a hybrid based on the 1.6 T-GDI unit. The body measures around 4,830 mm long with a wheelbase of about 2,815 mm.

Specifications of the original (Hyundai Santa Fe MX5):

• Length: approx. 4,830 mm
• Wheelbase: approx. 2,815 mm
• Class: D-segment SUV
• Seating rows: 3
• Powertrains: 2.5 T-GDI petrol, hybrid based on 1.6 T-GDI
• Unveiled: 2023
• Production: from 2024

About the manufacturer – Academy:

Academy is a Korean plastic model manufacturer active since 1969 and one of the most recognisable modelling brands in Asia. The company built its position on a broad catalogue covering aircraft, military vehicles, ships, cars and figure kits in the popular scales. Academy kits are valued for approachable assembly and a sensible breakdown of parts, which makes them suitable for beginners and experienced modellers alike. The brand also develops technologies that simplify building — snap-fit kits and multi-colour injection (MCP) sprues that allow a model to be built without painting. A separate and important part of the catalogue is contemporary equipment of the Republic of Korea armed forces: tanks, self-propelled howitzers, infantry fighting vehicles and armoured carriers, often unavailable from other manufacturers. In recent years Academy has consistently released models from completely new tooling, supplemented with photo-etched parts and other components that raise the level of detail. The brand's products are available worldwide and remain a steady point of reference in the segment of kits offering a good balance of quality and complexity.