Author: Olly

  • OEM+ Car Styling: Enhancing Your Ride with Factory Parts

    OEM+ Car Styling: Enhancing Your Ride with Factory Parts

    OEM+ car styling is a popular trend among car enthusiasts who want to personalise their vehicles without sacrificing the quality and reliability of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. It involves using OEM parts from other models within the same brand or even from different brands to subtly enhance the appearance and performance of your car.

    OEM+ Car Styling Benefits

    One of the main benefits of OEM+ styling is that it allows you to create a unique look for your car while maintaining its factory-engineered integrity. Since you’re using parts designed by the manufacturer, you can be confident that they will fit properly and function as intended. This approach also helps to preserve the resale value of your car, as it avoids the potential pitfalls of cheap aftermarket modifications.

    Examples of OEM+ styling:

    • Swapping wheels with a higher-end model: If you own a base-model car, you could upgrade to the wheels from a higher-trim level within the same brand. This can give your car a sportier or more luxurious look without requiring any modifications to the car’s suspension or body.
    • Adding a subtle body kit: Some manufacturers offer subtle body kits for their cars that are designed to enhance the car’s aerodynamics and appearance without being overly aggressive. These kits often include front and rear spoilers, side skirts, and diffusers.
    • Upgrading interior components: You could swap out your car’s seats, steering wheel, or shift knob with those from a higher-end model. This can improve the comfort and feel of your car’s interior.
    • Performance upgrades: Some OEM parts can also improve your car’s performance. For example, you could upgrade to a larger brake system or a sportier suspension setup from a higher-performance model within the same brand.
    OEM+ Car Styling

    Sourcing Parts from a Specialist Breaker

    Most vehicle owners have a wealth of options when it comes to OEM+ car styling. By sourcing parts from a specialist breaker such as a Mitsubishi breaker or Toyota breaker, you can find a wide range of OEM components at affordable prices. Here are a few ideas:

    • Enhance the exterior: You could add a front lip spoiler or side skirts from a higher-trim model to give your car a sportier look. You could also swap out your car’s mirrors or door handles with those from a different model.
    • Upgrade the interior: Consider replacing your car’s seats with leather seats from a luxury Mitsubishi model. You could also upgrade the steering wheel or shift knob to a sportier design.
    • Improve performance: If you’re looking for a performance boost, you could source a larger brake system or a sportier suspension setup from a higher-performance Mitsubishi model.

    When sourcing parts from a breaker, it’s important to make sure that the parts are compatible with your car’s model and year. You should also inspect the parts carefully for any damage before purchasing them.

    OEM+ car styling is a great way to personalise your car without sacrificing its quality or reliability. By sourcing parts from a breaker, you can save money while still getting high-quality OEM components. With a little creativity and research, you can create a unique and stylish car that reflects your personal taste.

  • Paint Protection Film: The Invisible Shield Protecting Your Car

    In the world of automotive care, maintaining the pristine look of your car is a top priority for many owners. While regular washing and waxing can help, they often fall short in protecting against the daily wear and tear that our vehicles endure. This is where Paint Protection Film (PPF) steps in, offering an almost invisible shield against the elements and road hazards. Let’s delve into the myriad benefits of this innovative technology.  

    What is Paint Protection Film?

    Paint Protection Film

    PPF is a transparent, thin film made of urethane that is applied to the painted surfaces of your car. It acts as a barrier, protecting the paint from scratches, chips, swirl marks, and other minor abrasions. Think of it as a second skin for your car, one that’s designed to take the brunt of daily driving.  

    The Benefits Unveiled

    1. Unparalleled Protection: The primary benefit of PPF is its ability to shield your car’s paint from the hazards of the road. From flying rocks and debris to insects and bird droppings, PPF acts as a sacrificial layer, preventing damage to the original paint underneath.  
    2. Self-Healing Properties: One of the most remarkable features of PPF is its self-healing capability. Minor scratches and swirl marks can disappear with the application of heat, thanks to the film’s unique chemical properties.  
    3. UV Ray Defense: The sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays can cause your car’s paint to fade and lose its luster over time. PPF acts as a sunscreen for your car, blocking these rays and preserving the paint’s original color and shine.  
    4. Maintains Resale Value: By protecting your car’s paint from damage, PPF helps maintain its resale value. A car with pristine paint is more attractive to potential buyers and commands a higher price in the market.  
    5. Easy Maintenance: Cleaning a car with PPF is a breeze. The film’s smooth surface repels dirt and grime, making washing easier and reducing the need for frequent waxing.  
    6. Enhanced Gloss: PPF not only protects your car’s paint but also enhances its gloss, giving it a showroom-worthy shine.  
    7. Long-Lasting Protection: High-quality PPF can last for up to 10 years or more, providing long-term protection for your car’s paint.  

    Is Paint Protection Film Right for You?

    While PPF offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider your individual needs and circumstances. If you’re someone who:

    • Values the appearance of your car: PPF helps maintain that showroom shine for years to come.  
    • Wants to protect their investment: PPF helps preserve your car’s value, making it a worthwhile investment.  
    • Drives frequently in areas with road hazards: PPF offers peace of mind against potential damage from debris and other hazards.  

    Then PPF might be the perfect solution for you.

    Conclusion

    Paint Protection Film is more than just a cosmetic enhancement for your car; it’s an investment in its long-term health and appearance. By providing a robust shield against the elements and road hazards, PPF helps keep your car looking its best for years to come, ultimately preserving its value and your peace of mind.

  • 2023 Kia Seltos Review: Specs| Features| Driving Impressions| Images

    oi-Dennis Abraham James

    In
    2019,
    Kia
    entered
    India
    with
    a
    bang,
    pushing
    out
    the
    brand-new
    Seltos
    from
    its
    facility
    in
    Andhra
    Pradesh
    as
    it
    looked
    to
    take
    down
    sister
    brand
    Hyundai’s
    Crta
    SUV.

    In
    the
    four
    years
    since,
    the
    Seltos
    has
    become
    a
    sales
    success
    story,
    helping
    Kia
    become
    the
    5th
    largest
    carmaker
    in
    the
    country
    thanks
    to
    its
    appeal
    and
    that
    of
    its
    smaller
    and
    larger
    siblings
    for
    India.

    However,
    over
    the
    same
    period,
    new
    rivals
    have
    emerged
    from
    players
    like
    Maruti
    Suzuki,
    MG,
    and
    Toyota
    have
    emerged
    on
    the
    scene,
    attracting
    customers
    away
    from
    the
    Seltos.

    Keen
    to
    return
    to
    its
    old
    highs,
    Kia
    has
    updated
    the
    India-spec
    Seltos
    to
    the
    SUV’s
    international
    level.
    So
    do
    these
    more
    than
    skin-deep
    changes
    to
    the
    Kia
    Seltos
    make
    it
    the
    compact
    SUV
    to
    buy,
    or
    is
    this
    another
    case
    of
    the
    emperor’s
    new
    clothes?
    We
    drove
    the
    facelifted
    2023
    Kia
    Seltos
    in
    Nagpur
    to
    find
    the
    answers.

    2023
    Kia
    Seltos
    Design
    &
    Features

    Nip
    &
    Tuck
    And
    So
    Much
    More

    At
    first
    glance,
    not
    much
    seems
    to
    have
    changed
    in
    the
    Seltos
    2.0
    compared
    to
    its
    predecessor.
    However,
    look
    closer
    at
    the
    compact
    SUV,
    and
    the
    changes
    are
    more
    visible.

    The
    front
    end
    features
    a
    new
    grille
    (without
    any
    variant
    badging)
    and
    daytime
    running
    lights
    streaking
    through
    its
    centre.
    The
    front
    bumper
    is
    a
    revised
    unit,
    with
    the
    GT
    and
    X
    line
    models
    continuing
    to
    sport
    slightly
    different
    setups
    from
    the
    other
    variant
    options.

    The
    sides
    remain
    mostly
    unchanged
    though
    the
    wheels
    feature
    a
    new
    design.
    Depending
    on
    the
    variant,
    the
    new
    Seltos
    comes
    with
    up
    to
    five
    wheel
    choices

    four
    alloys
    and
    a
    single
    steelie
    ranging
    from
    16
    to
    18
    inches
    in
    size.

    The
    changes
    at
    the
    rear
    are
    easier
    to
    spot,
    with
    the
    Seltos
    sporting
    connected
    LED
    taillights
    instead
    of
    the
    chrome
    bar
    on
    the
    previous
    Seltos.
    GT
    line
    models
    also
    sport
    a
    dual-exhaust
    setup
    which
    exits
    out
    either
    side
    of
    the
    faux
    rear
    bash
    plate.

    Step
    inside
    the
    new
    2023
    Seltos
    facelift,
    and
    the
    changes
    made
    to
    the
    updated
    SUV
    are
    easier
    to
    spot.
    While
    each
    trim
    line
    sports
    a
    different
    upholstery
    setup,
    the
    dash
    and
    the
    roof
    are
    where
    the
    transformations
    are
    most
    visible.

    Sitting
    on
    the
    dash
    are
    two
    10.25-inch
    displays
    borrowed
    from
    the
    EV6,
    with
    the
    one
    on
    the
    right
    acting
    as
    a
    digital
    driver’s
    display
    while
    the
    one
    on
    the
    left
    is
    an
    HD
    touchscreen
    screen
    for
    the
    infotainment.

    The
    infotainment
    unit
    supports
    Android
    Auto
    and
    Apple
    CarPlay
    and
    comes
    connected
    to
    a
    premium
    audio
    system
    from
    Bose.
    This
    screen
    is
    where
    you’ll
    also
    be
    able
    to
    pair
    up
    with
    the
    Kia
    Connect,
    which
    allows
    you
    to
    pair
    your
    smartwatch
    or
    phone
    with
    the
    car
    to
    access
    a
    boatload
    of
    connected
    car
    features.

    The
    Seltos
    cabin
    also
    sports
    a
    dual-zone
    fully
    automatic
    air
    conditioning
    system,
    which
    keeps
    the
    owners
    cool
    or
    hot
    when
    needed.
    The
    seats
    are
    comfortable
    to
    sit
    in,
    with
    the
    front
    seats
    featuring
    ventilation,
    while
    the
    ones
    at
    the
    rear
    offer
    decent
    room
    for
    even
    those
    on
    the
    higher
    side
    of
    six
    feet.

    Enhancing
    the
    roomy
    and
    airy
    feel
    of
    the
    cabin
    is
    the
    massive
    dual-pane
    sunroof
    that
    can
    be
    opened
    and
    closed
    with
    voice
    commands.
    Other
    features
    onboard
    include
    a
    wireless
    phone
    charger,
    air
    purifier,
    electric
    parking
    brake,
    360-degree
    camera,
    heads-up
    display
    and
    leatherette
    seat
    upholstery.

    The
    new
    Seltos
    also
    comes
    packed
    to
    the
    gills
    with
    safety
    equipment
    like
    six
    airbags,
    ABS
    with
    EBD,
    Brake
    Assist,
    Electronic
    Stability
    Control,
    Traction
    Control,
    Hill
    Descent
    Control,
    Hill
    Hold
    Control,
    Vehicle
    Stability
    Management,
    front
    and
    rear
    parking
    sensors,
    ISOFIX
    and
    all-wheel
    disc
    brakes
    among
    others.

    The
    Seltos
    also
    sports
    ADAS
    Level
    2
    driving
    aids
    which
    include
    the
    likes
    of
    cruise
    control
    with
    stop-and-go
    functionality,
    front
    collision
    warning
    and
    avoidance
    assist
    (FCW
    and
    FCA),
    Lane
    Keep
    Assist,
    Blind
    Spot
    Collision
    Warning
    and
    more.

    2023
    Kia
    Seltos
    Specs
    &
    Dimensions:
    Options
    Galore

    The
    Kia
    Seltos
    sports
    three
    engine
    options
    and
    a
    total
    of
    4
    gearboxes.
    The
    facelifted
    Seltos
    retains
    the
    naturally
    aspirated
    1.5-litre
    petrol
    engine
    with
    113bhp
    and
    144Nm
    of
    peak
    torque
    and
    comes
    paired
    with
    either
    a
    6-speed
    manual
    or
    an
    iVT
    gearbox.

    The
    1.5-litre
    diesel
    engine
    remains
    unchanged,
    with
    the
    oil
    burner
    still
    producing
    114bhp
    and
    250Nm
    of
    peak
    torque.
    The
    diesel
    comes
    paired
    with
    iMT
    and
    automatic
    6-speed
    transmission
    options.

    The
    new
    kid
    under
    the
    hood
    is
    the
    1.5-litre
    turbo-petrol.
    This
    new
    force-fed
    powerplant
    churns
    out
    158bhp
    and
    253Nm
    of
    peak
    torque.
    The
    new
    engine
    comes
    with
    6-speed
    iMT
    and
    7-speed
    DCT
    automatic
    gearbox
    options.

    Dimensionally,
    the
    Seltos
    remains
    unchanged

    4,365mm
    long,
    1,800mm
    wide,
    and
    1,645mm
    tall
    with
    a
    2,610mm
    long
    wheelbase.
    The
    Seltos
    offers
    190mm
    ground
    clearance
    and
    a
    433-litre
    boot.

    2023
    Kia
    Seltos
    Driving
    Impressions

    More
    Boost
    For
    The
    Win

    During
    our
    time
    with
    the
    facelifted
    Seltos,
    we
    got
    to
    experience
    the
    SUV
    with
    its
    new
    turbocharged
    engine
    and
    7-speed
    DCT
    automatic
    gearbox.
    The
    engine
    is
    the
    most
    powerful
    in
    the
    segment
    producing
    158bhp
    at
    5,500rpm
    and
    253Nm
    of
    peak
    torque
    between
    1,500
    and
    3,500rpm.

    The
    power
    delivery
    from
    the
    engine
    right
    from
    the
    start
    is
    quite
    responsive.
    The
    turbo
    spools
    up
    quickly,
    and
    the
    powerplant
    offers
    a
    good
    mid-range
    and
    a
    very
    usable
    top
    end.
    There
    are
    three
    engine
    modes
    on
    offer

    Eco,
    Normal
    and
    Sport,
    with
    the
    throttle
    response
    sharpening
    as
    you
    move
    from
    Eco
    to
    Sport.

    The
    7-speed
    DCT
    gearbox
    shifts
    through
    the
    ratios
    quite
    smoothly,
    making
    the
    Seltos
    easy
    to
    use
    in
    the
    city.
    However,
    when
    you
    want
    to
    overtake,
    it
    takes
    a
    few
    seconds
    before
    shifting
    down
    the
    ratios
    to
    the
    required
    gear.

    The
    suspension
    setup
    for
    the
    facelifted
    Seltos
    continues
    to
    be
    the
    best
    of
    both
    worlds
    despite
    being
    slightly
    on
    the
    stiffer
    end.
    It
    deals
    with
    the
    bumps
    and
    ruts
    of
    our
    roads
    while
    being
    stiff
    enough
    to
    take
    on
    the
    curves
    without
    rolling
    about
    too
    much.

    The
    steering
    feels
    light
    and
    easy
    to
    use,
    allowing
    you
    to
    switch
    lanes
    with
    a
    quick
    flick
    of
    the
    wheel.
    Changing
    driving
    modes
    also
    see
    the
    steering
    wheel
    weigh
    up
    and
    get
    sharper
    as
    you
    move
    up
    from
    Eco
    to
    Sport.

    The
    addition
    of
    ADAS
    is
    a
    welcome
    one.
    The
    different
    systems
    work
    seamlessly,
    keeping
    you
    safe
    on
    the
    move
    and
    are
    a
    brilliant
    addition
    to
    the
    Seltos’ safety
    shield
    for
    its
    occupants.

    Final
    Thoughts
    On
    The
    2023
    Kia
    Seltos
    Facelift:
    More
    Than
    A
    Regular
    Nip
    &
    Tuck

    The
    facelifted
    Kia
    Seltos
    brings
    several
    changes,
    including
    a
    brand
    new
    turbo
    petrol
    engine,
    ADAS
    and
    more
    standard
    kit.
    These
    changes
    combine
    to
    make
    the
    new
    Kia
    Seltos
    the
    perfect
    SUV
    in
    its
    class
    for
    both
    the
    daily
    city
    commute
    and
    a
    bit
    of
    fun
    when
    you
    want
    as
    well.


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    Article Published On: Sunday, July 23, 2023, 9:56 [IST]

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