CAR CUSTOMISING

We've all seen them, cars that look like they only ever made it as far as the outtake reel of 'The Fast And The Furious'. Ageing hatches with garish stripes, dated wheels and spoiler kits that look as if they've been built from yoghurt pots. Thankfully, it doesn't have to be like this. Even those of limited means can, with a few judicious choices, modify their motor to create a car that turns heads for all the right reasons.

Although many of us would like a tricked up Nissan GTR or Vauxhall VXR8, in reality it's not too many of us who can afford to go the whole hog to get a car that looks as if it's just burst out of Gran Turismo 5. Due to crippling insurance costs, the body styling industry concentrates on more modest tackle that younger buyers can budget for. Cars like the Vauxhall Corsa, Citroen C1, Peugeot 107, Volkswagen Golf, Renault Clio, Peugeot 207, Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta represent primetime when it comes to body styling.

There are a number of routes that can be taken. One of the most extreme is to go for a full rally replica look. This involves a comprehensive overhaul which will include authentic alloy wheels, a lowered suspension kit, headlight conversion, laser-cut decals, a roll cage, fire extinguisher and a suitably beefy exhaust. Silver Peugeot 206s and white Ford Focus models represent excellent choices to base a rally replica upon, but don't overlook cheaper options like the Ford Escort XR3i or the Vauxhall Astra GTE.

For most buyers however, this is a rather extreme tack. More interested in having a car that will turn heads at a local cruise, most young buyers...