I don't usually believe in conspiracies, and maybe I'm wrong, in which case I apologize for my accusations. The model doesn't look very complex, so I think it could be done relatively fast. They probably started developing it earlier on, and it may have taken (a lot of) inspiration from the Ideas model after the initial phase. Anyway it would be nice if the designer would drop a note on this matter. The wooden side railings at the rear are removable. The gaps where they’re mounted aren’t too obvious, making for yet another display tweak for a more “suburban” take on the overall look.

I meant that the Ideas set that got produced: https://ideas.lego.com/projects/5b64baab-0c5d-40c5-be8e-32dbf8604733 , shows a lot of resemblance (albeit it more detailed) with an idea submitted sixteen days earlier: https://ideas.lego.com/projects/1a2adaa9-bb5a-4d12-a00e-51a2c4e4d1bb The opening doors and hood also add some great options for showcasing this set. The hood has an adjustable rod to keep it open, and the motor has plenty of detail to draw the eye.

My critiques are mostly styling: the grill just isn’t doing it for me, maybe flipped the other way around or somehow tilted a bit so that the upper edge with the tube doesn’t protrude forwards so much. The tailgate really should have chains, it’s a surprise they are missing.

Winter is represented with a festive wreath. The build here is pretty interesting, with a quarter-circle tile in bright green sandwiched between 2×2 green plates. Red Technic pins do double duty as holly berries and anchor points, while a red hinge plate and cheese slopes create a bow. Because this is an alternative model some minor compromises had to be made, like there is only one hinge piece holding the door, the boot compartment is not fully closed and the front wheels have friction pins, because the ones without friction caused the wheels to rub the wheelwell. Furthermore I considered structural integrity more important than an authentic interior and therefore some technic beams are positioned between the front and rear seats to fixate the c-pillars and roof. And finally I had to use one of the spare parts too, a 3L bar, but all in all I think all of these are some acceptable trade-offs, considering that the model will mostly be displayed anyways.I really, REALLY wish Lego could make a vehicle headlamp that didn’t have a hollow stud in the middle. It’s just so ugly and really ruins for me what should be a nice smooth headlight lens.