If this is the very first remote control car you’re buying, the SG 2410 is a sensible low-risk way to find out whether your four year old actually enjoys driving one. It’s small, light and simple to steer, with a 2.4GHz radio so it won’t interfere with any other RC toys running nearby at a party or family gathering.

Best for: parents wanting an inexpensive “let’s see how it goes” first RC car without much financial risk. Watch out for: as with any budget 2WD model, grip on smooth flooring is modest, so expect gentle spins rather than sharp cornering — that’s actually a safety feature at this age, not a flaw.

Buggy-style suspension and a bit of ground clearance mean this little WL Toys handles the uneven patio, lawn edges and the odd twig far better than a flat-bodied road car. It’s still genuinely micro-sized, so it stays light in small hands and doesn’t carry enough speed to be a worry in the back garden under supervision.

Best for: families who’ll mostly be driving outdoors on grass, patio or a smooth path. Watch out for: like most micro-scale buggies, the plastic chassis is tough rather than indestructible, so a direct hit on a kerb or step at full tilt can still do damage — keep an eye on the terrain, not just the car.

The 4WD layout gives this little drift truck more stability than a 2WD car of similar size, which translates to fewer unexpected spins on a sitting-room floor or kitchen tiles. It’s compact enough to tuck away in a drawer between sessions, and the price means a scrape along a skirting board isn’t a disaster.

Best for: indoor driving sessions where a bit of extra grip and stability helps a young child stay in control. Watch out for: drift-oriented tyres are deliberately slippery by design, so expect sideways slides on hard floors — fun to watch, but worth steering away from glass tables and stairs.

This is the one to reach for if you want a birthday or Christmas present that looks the part under the tree — a properly licensed classic Mustang shell rather than a generic toy-style body. HPI’s build quality is a step up from the ultra-budget options here, which suits a car that’s likely to get more careful handling as a “special” gift rather than daily rough-and-tumble.

Best for: gift-buyers wanting something that feels a bit more grown-up and collectible than a pure toy. Watch out for: it’s the priciest option on this list, so it suits a child who’s shown genuine interest in RC already rather than a total first-timer you’re still testing the water with.