C

ar modification in Indonesia has become increasingly popular among car enthusiasts despite the cost of pursuing the hobby.

The increasing number of modified cars in Indonesia is mostly driven by numerous car contests and exhibitions of such vehicles, as well as being a hobby for some car owners that has turned into a trend or lifestyle.

Although modification trends today have not changed much from several years ago, style additions will color the modifications this year.

In 2010, the trend was more about functionality and the economizing factor, while for daily use the cars were of a rare type and quite costly.

However, in 2011 it was racing models and elegant variants, still with functional aspect, that were prioritized.

“This year, the modification has not changed much from 2011, except that the JDM (Japanese domestic market) style has been added,” said Reindy Marnix Riupassa, owner of a modification service station called BTX Concept Bandung, last week in the West Java capital.

JDM style is currently mushrooming across all of Indonesia’s major cities, because this modification is simple and pleasing to the eye. Reindy added that many car owners were now bored with extreme styles, so today’s modifications are more elegant with racing or street racing, as well as a “hellaflush” style, now the in thing.

“After all, this is the era of retro cars with detailed and beautiful restoration details,” he added.

Retro is identical with the golden age of yesteryear, with motorcycles and cars produced between the 1970s and 1990s becoming an inspiration for modification fans. During those eras, chromatic colors and fire flashes were icons and, primarily for motorbikes, headlamps and cluster were in classical retro style.

Another characteristic of retro modification is the huge wheel rim for both motorcycles and cars; with a combination of matching accessories, the retro ambience can be present for the nostalgic fan.

According to Reindy, it is not cheap to modify a car; a simple modification can cost between Rp10 million to Rp 20 million, which may include wheel rims, add-on body kit, interior seat covers and a simple audio system.

”Actually, there is no maximum figure for modifications. On one occasion, a customer of mine spent Rp 500 million to achieve his total satisfaction,” he said.

In most cases, the following parts are modified: exterior chassis, with paint, body kit, lamps and body widening, while for the interior seating covers, audio and accessories are added. Some cars have their suspension modified with shock breakers, air suspension, wheel rims and brakes and, sometimes, even the engine is changed or upgraded.

BTX Concept attracts customers from all backgrounds, ranging from high school students to executives and parents. “Basically, it is their hobby to ‘beautify’ their cars.”

High school students do it because they want to attract attention, while some adults do it for reason of comfortable and safe driving.

For a simple or light modification, Reindy needs about a week, while a major interior and exterior modification can take between three and six months. “Each week, we modify on average three to four vehicles and we get all our modification ideas from print media, television and the Internet to keep our style up to date,” he said.

Benhard Sibarani, president of the BMW Car Clubs Indonesia (BMWCCI), agrees that modification is a costly job, but adds that many car owners do not hesitate to spend large sums of money for the procedures.

“Maybe it’s because it’s so satisfying for them, they don’t mind spending a lot, sometimes even as much as the price of the car itself,” he said.

Changing the suspension and wheel rims can cost Rp 30 million while modifying the brakes costs Rp 70 million.

To avoid paying out too much at one time, Benny, as he is often called by close friends, said many car owners carry out a gradual process of modifications. “They do it step-by-step. For example, first they’ll do the exterior and when they have enough money, they’ll do the second phase, such as the interior, so the financial burden is not too heavy,” he said.

He added that the cost for modifications is usually not too problematic for car owners who truly love their vehicle. “After all, you cannot put a price on a hobby.”