Auto Fashion

Planning to go all out on car accessories? Rev up your outgoing as Gavin D’Souza provides a low-down on the latest fads and fashions in the automobile market

If you are a car fanatic and grew up on Bond movies, chances are that you dream of his cars more than his women. Even greater chances are that you want to own a car that even vaguely resembles the Aston Martin DB5 or the BMW Z3 - even if it's the colour. While you may not get your car to swim underwater or have wheels equipped with laser guns with all the accessories available in the market, you can however make your car resemble a luxury suite. Here's a low-down on the latest fads in car accessories available in the market, right from the hottest audio system to the coolest car panels.

While there is the option of purchasing a luxury car loaded to the teeth with luxury fittings, there are some who would rather buff up their existing car with accessories - either because they can't afford luxury brands or they have a sentimental attachment to the car they already own. Whatever the reason, it is now quite fashionable for car owners to spruce up their ride with after-market accessories. One can either take their car to an established car modifying company such as Dilip Chhabria Design or Rio or drive into the car accessories market and see what's on offer. The first option is hassle-free and all one has to do is choose a package. But this may prove expensive and doesn't give the flexibility of mix 'n match. On the other hand, if you opt for the second option, it is best to take your car when choosing the accessories because with many appendages, it is a matter of compatibility. Wood trims, for example, are made specifically for each car model. Also if you want to add accessories to existing devices, such as audio systems, compatibility once again comes into play. While some products are easy to come by at any retail shop, more exclusive accessories like wood trimming and modified sunroofs usually have to be ordered to specification.

Audio Systems

While most cars come fitted with decent two or four-speaker audio systems that would probably receive AM and FM radio and maybe play audio cassettes, the true blue music enthusiast knows that that is no way to enjoy sound. Whether you like relaxing to Richard Clayderman after a hard day's work or you think Deep Purple's Highway Star is a shot of adrenaline in disguise, spending a little money on the right audio system can go a long way.

There are many components that make up an audio system. The first step is the speakers. The usual configuration of two plus two speakers may be enhanced by tweeter speakers and a sub-woofer. Tweeter speakers are small units dedicated to producing only treble, while a sub-woofer is a large cone dedicated only to generate bass. These add-ons must be accompanied by an amplifier to generate and distribute power adequately. A good set of speakers is that which produces loud sound without loss in clarity. While there is no limit to the amount of speakers you put in your car, a 6.1 (four speakers, two tweeters and one sub-woofer) is an ideal combination.

The second and equally important component of a good audio system is the playing unit or the deck. It is what decodes the audio off your chosen media and transmits sound to the speakers. They come in single and double panel options and are fitted into a slot in the dashboard. While decks usually have their own amplifiers, they are good to handle only a four-speaker set-up. The common media available are audio cassettes and CDs. However, CDs are a wise choice. While most CD players are capable of playing standard audio CDs, newer decks are capable of decoding the familiar MP3 and WMA formats, which allow hundreds of songs to be contained on one CD. Decks also sell based on their visual appeal and ease of operation. The simpler ones have the inlet for the CD or cassette and some basic operational buttons. More advanced systems have large colour displays and dozens of little buttons operating the deck's various features. The latest innovation is a single joystick-like device that can be used to operate the entire system. If you want additional media, you may add a CD changer, which is a separate device that holds a large number of discs and can be controlled by a compatible cassette or CD playing deck.

Prices of decks range from Rs 4,500 for a basic FM/AM cassette player to Rs 50,000 for a DVD-capable, double panel, colour display unit. Premium brands to look out for are Pioneer, Sony, Blaupunkt, JVC, Alpine and Panasonic. Speaker-exclusive brands are JBL, Harmann Kardon and JL Audio.

Video Systems

Along with high-end audio systems, the newest trend today is the installation of video and television systems in one’s car. Output comes via small (7' to 14') LCD screens and the car's audio system, of course. Screens may be installed on the center of the dashboard, in the back of the headrest of the two front seats, or even in the roof. These screens are accompanied by the input device, usually a DVD- or VCD-capable deck. High-end systems come with their own LCD screen attached and cost Rs 16,000 upwards. The screens may cost anywhere from Rs 6,000 to Rs 12,000 depending on their size and resolution. Television reception is also possible with the installation of a satellite receiver.

Leather Upholstery

This accessory is usually purchased as a status symbol more than anything else. A standard on luxury cars, leather or sometimes faux-leather upholstery is a common add-on. This is not to be confused with adorning the car seats with leather seat covers, which is also a common and easily available option. Leather upholstering means that every inch of cloth visible in the car, say for maybe the ceiling, is leather. This includes the door panels, head and arm rests, and the centre console between the front seats. Leather may also be used to cover the steering wheel, gear knob and in cases of extreme insanity, the entire dashboard. Like most accessories, leather upholstery is custom-made according to the vehicle. Companies such as Stanley Leather provide custom leather kits for each model of vehicle available. Leather is chosen on the basis of texture as well as colour, which ranges from the more sedate beige, black and grey all the way to the bizarre blue, green, red and silver. Approximate cost for upholstering the entire car - Rs 17,000.

Alloy Wheels & Tubeless Tyres

Magnesium alloy wheels, sometimes referred to as 'mags' or 'rims', replace the steel wheel of the car with a lightweight yet more stable option. These are also usually a standard on luxury cars and are a growing trend in the Indian market. While mostly bought for their visual appeal, alloy wheels also contribute to the fuel efficiency of the car owing to their reduced weight. In spite of their weak appearance, they are actually stronger and more rigid than most steel wheels. Because they are made of alloy, they are capable of handling higher temperatures and are less of a risk to the tires. Approximate cost is Rs 20,000 to Rs 65,000 per set of four.

While on the topic of tires, the newest norm in road safety and comfort is tubeless tires. Now mandatory in countries like the US, this revolutionary technology allows the tire to make do without a tube, eliminating a disastrous scenario in the event of a high-speed tire blowout. Since there is no tube, the structural integrity of the tire is maintained until the foreign object that caused the puncture is removed. This allows for risk-free and more comfortable driving. The cost varies from Rs 18,000 for basic tubeless, Rs 30,000 for advanced radials (e.g. Goodyear Eagle F1)

Tints

Tints are the most basic and economical, yet the most sought-after car accessory available in the market. Apart from the obvious purpose of providing privacy within legal limits, tinted glasses are now also available in shades and in different levels of opacity. They may be bought and fitted onto the car separately at a large fee. However, the more advisable option is to simply coat the glass with tinted film, which can be done at any auto accessory shop. This doesn't interfere with the operation of the windows in any way.

Keyless Entry/Security Systems

Whether you're a car enthusiast who loves his machine, or just a careful car owner, a security system is an imperative addition to your car's lineup of accessories. Some cars are factory-equipped with a standard keyless entry system, which is meant only to lock and unlock the vehicle without using the key. Others have security systems attached which set off an alarm when sensitive points on the car's body are tampered with or even struck with some amount of force. Still more advanced systems include engine immobilisers, which are capable of locking off the engine from a remote location in the event of grand theft auto. While many of these come standard, they can be retrofitted to your car for a reasonable price (Rs 2,500 onwards). A must have if you value your wheels.

Integrated Mobile Hands-Free System

If you're the type that must be connected to your office 24/7, don't like messy wires and heavy headsets and isn't likely to flaunt traffic rules, an integrated car hands-free kit is ideal for you. All the leading mobile phone manufacturers offer such devices, which either link themselves to your car's audio system, or come with independent speakers of their own. These devices allow you to connect your mobile phone to a speaker system via a data port or, more recently, Bluetooth wireless technology. The system is programmed to mute whatever music is playing from your audio system and amplify the sound of an incoming telephone call. If the sound doesn't come from the car audio system, it is brought out through a series of strategically placed speakers.

The aim of such a system is to prevent distraction while driving. A microphone is installed, usually near the driver's headrest, and a remote that can be attached to the steering wheels is provided for easy phone operation. Most devices also support voice recognition technology, which makes the process truly 'hands-free'. Although cheap substitutes are available in the market, which are universally compatible with any and every phone model, it would be a safer bet, both for your phone and your car, to purchase the original accessory from your mobile manufacturer. Systems like this cost between Rs 8,000 and Rs 18,000.

Sunroofs

A brand new trend in the market, many luxury and semi-luxury models are now coming equipped with sunroofs that may be electronically or manually operated. They can be easily installed at the local car accessory shop and aren't prone to wear and tear. The latest in automotive technology is the digital sunroof, a device that cannot be physically opened, but still provides a clear view of the sky. Using electric current, small molecules within the layers of the glass are manipulated to display transparency or opacity at different levels. This is clearly an uber-expensive option and is not currently available in India.

Money's Worth?

They say you can't put a price on comfort. Neither can you put one on good taste. If you believe that you need that extra pampering or that executive edge over everybody else around you, or you simply want to show your precious ride off to your peers and friends, spending a little money isn't that much of a problem. Especially since these accessories are so readily available today.

If you don't fancy a sunroof but couldn't do without your music or you can put your calls on hold while driving but can't do without your ice-cold mochachillo, the customisation options should be right up your alley. Of the two major choices faced when one wants to accessorise, the option of going to the accessories market and buying components oneself is recommended. Besides being cheaper, it gives you more options. But car modifying companies have their favourite brands and components, which you would have to accept as part of the package.

Then again, a small customisation shop or, god forbid, your own mechanical expertise, cannot rival the level of professionalism associated with a car modifying company. For the price that you pay, the quality of workmanship and parts would never be below any standards.