20/07/2021
For car enthusiasts across the UK and beyond, the pursuit of unique style and enhanced performance often leads to one place: the aftermarket body kit scene. These modifications, ranging from subtle lip spoilers to complete wide-body transformations, allow owners to personalise their vehicles, improve aerodynamics, or simply stand out from the crowd. But with countless options available, knowing where to start can be daunting. This article delves into the diverse world of body kits, highlighting key manufacturers and the specific cars they cater to, ensuring you have the knowledge to embark on your styling journey.
A body kit is essentially a collection of exterior modifications or add-ons that change a vehicle's appearance and, in some cases, its aerodynamic properties. These can include front and rear bumpers, side skirts, spoilers, wings, bonnets, wide arches, and diffusers. The choice of material is crucial, with common options being:
- FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastic): A cost-effective and relatively lightweight material, easy to mould and repair.
- Carbon Fibre: Known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and distinctive weave pattern, carbon fibre parts are often lighter and stronger than FRP, but also more expensive.
- Carbon Kevlar: Offering even greater impact resistance than standard carbon fibre, often used in high-stress areas.
The aftermarket world is rich with manufacturers, many hailing from Japan, who specialise in crafting these bespoke components. Let's explore some of the prominent names and the vehicles they transform.
Pioneers of Japanese Performance Styling
Many manufacturers have built their reputation on enhancing the iconic Japanese performance cars that are so beloved in the UK. Companies like Cruise offer a wide array of body kits, side skirts, wings, spoilers, and even carbon doors for classics such as the Starlet, MX5, and the legendary Skyline R32, R33, and R34, as well as the Mitsubishi Evo 7, 8, and 9. Similarly, Power House Amuse provides a range of body kits for popular Japanese models, including the S2000 and 350Z, alongside Lexus vehicles.
Other comprehensive providers include Final Connexion, catering to an extensive list of Nissan models (R32, R33, R34, S15, S14, S13, Laurel, 180SX, A31, C35, Z32), Toyota (Chaser, Cresta), Mazda (RX-7), and even Kei cars like the Hiace, Life, Every, and Wagon R. D Speed is another broad specialist, offering body kits and carbon parts for the S15, S14, 180SX, R33 GTR, R32, Z32, Z33, Trueno, Levin, Chaser, Altezza, Celica, Supra, and AE86 Colt.
BN Sports is well-regarded for its styling parts for Altezza, RX8, R32, R33, R34, S14, S13, 180SX, and MR2, including the AE86. BeeR, a Nissan specialist, provides styling for R32, R33, and R34, alongside carbon door cards and carbon splitters for AE86, S14, R32, R34, S13, and R33, plus universal carbon side skirt splitters. Varis, a prominent Japanese company, offers extensive kits (front and rear aprons, side skirts, wings) and carbon/carbon kevlar bonnets for a vast range including Toyota Celica, Supra, Starlet, Soarer, Corolla, Chaser, Previa; Nissan Fairlady Z32, Z33, 350Z, Silvia S15, S14, 180SX, Skyline R33, R32, Micra; Honda Civic, Integra; Mitsubishi Evo, GTO Z15, Z16; Mazda RX7, RX8; and Subaru Impreza.
Specialised Styling for Iconic Models
Many manufacturers carve out a niche by focusing on specific, highly popular models:
Nissan Skyline & Silvia Series
The Nissan Skyline, particularly the R32, R33, and R34 generations, is a perennial favourite for customisation. Cross Factory offers wide arch/wide body kits for these models, including the 4-door variants. Yannack also provides wide arch body kits for Nissan Skyline, Soarer, and RX7. Sunline Racing manufactures lightweight body parts like doors, diffusers, GT rear wings, bonnets, and boot lids, with a notable wide arch body kit for the Nissan Skyline R34 GTR. Rando offers vented carbon bonnets for the R32, R33, and R34, among others.
Toyota Supra, MR2 & AE86
For the Toyota Supra JZA80, Ducks Garden offers alternative style body kits, while Ridox specialises in carbon fibre aero parts and accessories. The SW20 MR2 also gets alternative style kits from Ducks Garden. Enthusiasts of the classic AE86 can find body kits and carbon parts from D Speed and specialist carbon fibre bonnets from First Moulding, while Acre also lists AE86 kits.
Honda Civic, Integra & S2000
Honda's performance heritage is well-supported. Aero Over provides body styling accessories for the Civic EU, Fit/Jazz GD, and Yaris NCP10. Doobie offers carbon lip spoilers, side skirts, and rear lower spoilers for the CRX, Civic, Integra, and Accord. First Moulding produces carbon fibre aero parts, diffusers, and vented bonnets for the Civic and Integra. Lite Tuned also provides carbon fibre styling, including front wings, door cards, bonnets, and spoilers for the Civic and Integra, as well as the Del Sol. For the S2000, Webber Sports and Ings are UK suppliers offering styling, and First Moulding also makes bonnets.
Mazda RX-7, RX-8 & MX-5
Mazda's rotary-powered machines and beloved roadsters are well-catered for. Mint Blue is a Mazda body kit specialist, covering the RX8, Demio, Premacy, Atenza, and Axela. Auto Exec offers extensive Mazda styling for the Mazda 6, RX7, RX8, MX5, Mazda3, Mazda2, and 323, and Mazda5. Knight Sports focuses on the RX7 and RX8, while BN Sports and Webber Sports also list RX8 kits. For the RX7, Rando provides vented carbon bonnets.
Subaru Impreza & Mitsubishi Evo
The rally-bred titans have a strong aftermarket presence. Launsport offers a massive range of WRC spec body parts for Subaru Impreza and Mitsubishi EVO, made from FRP and carbon fibre, including front and rear bumpers, side skirts, fenders, and roof scoops for GC, GD, and GR models. Voltex provides wind tunnel tested carbon fibre body kit parts like rear diffusers, bonnets, and winglets for Subaru Impreza GDB and Mitsubishi EVO. Masquerade is an Impreza wide arch specialist. Monster Sport is a Mitsubishi Evo 8 (VIII) body styling specialist. Dolphin offers styling for Impreza and Legacy, and Xeigen (UK dealer RH Motorsport) provides extreme styling for the Subaru Impreza.
Lexus & Luxury Models
Lexus, known for its blend of luxury and performance, also features in the body kit market. Junction Produce is a Lexus specialist, offering parts for the LS400 and GS300. Other Lexus specialists include Aimgain, Alpha Project, Absorber, Azec, and Aztec. Air Walker offers styling for Lexus IS200 and IS300. Wise Sports extends its offerings to luxury models from Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Honda, Mercedes, and Jaguar.
Diverse Offerings for Various Vehicle Types
Beyond the typical performance car, body kits are available for a broader range of vehicles, including people carriers, MPVs, SUVs, and even Kei cars:
- People Carriers & MPVs:Zeus manufactures styling parts for Japanese people carriers and MPVs. JPS covers models like the Serena, Estima, Odyssey, and Stream. Fire Sports also lists MPV and Wagon styling.
- SUVs & 4x4s:Jaos specialises in SUV and 4x4 body kits for vehicles like the Land Cruiser, Pajero, RAV4, Hi Lux Surf, Airtrek, Terrano, X Trail, Bighorn, CRV, Tribute, and Odyssey.
- Kei Cars: For compact 'Kei' vehicles, Final Connexion caters to the Life, Every, Wagon R, Daihatsu Move, and Mira. JPS also lists Move and Wagon R, while Aero Over offers accessories for the Suzuki Carry. US Racing Sports covers Alto, Legacy B5, Wagon R, and Move.
Some manufacturers also provide parts for more niche or older models. For instance, Ducks Garden offers kits for the Micra K11, while Dream Factory Blow provides retro 60s California surf-style makeovers for Japanese cars, including the K12 Micra. Aero Over also covers the Micra K11 & K12, Auris, Yaris NCP10, and Corolla E120. J Wing is a Japanese manufacturer offering styling for Bluebird, Primera P10, March, Micra, and Laurel.
Specialist Components and Materials
Beyond full body kits, many companies focus on specific high-performance or lightweight components:
- Carbon Fibre Specialists:Voltex (rear diffusers, bonnets, winglets), Ridox (carbon fibre aero parts), Sunline Racing (lightweight carbon doors, diffusers, GT wings, bonnets, boot lids), First Moulding (carbon fibre aero parts, diffusers, vented bonnets), and Lite Tuned (carbon fibre front wings, door cards, bonnets, spoilers) are key players in this high-end segment. Rando also offers vented carbon bonnets.
- Wide Arch Kits: For those seeking a more aggressive stance, Cross Factory, Masquerade, and Yannack are specialists in wide arch/wide body kits.
- Lip Spoilers & Minor Aero:Doobie focuses on carbon lip spoilers, side skirts, and rear lower spoilers, providing subtle yet effective aesthetic enhancements.
Table: Common Body Kit Materials Compared
| Material | Pros | Cons | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastic) | Cost-effective, easy to repair, versatile moulding | Heavier than carbon fibre, less impact resistant | Most common for full body kits, bumpers, side skirts |
| Carbon Fibre | Extremely lightweight, high strength, distinctive look | Expensive, can be brittle on impact, difficult to repair | High-performance aero parts, bonnets, spoilers, diffusers |
| Carbon Kevlar | Very high impact resistance, strong, lightweight | Very expensive, complex to manufacture | High-stress components, race applications |
Installation and Considerations
Once you've chosen your desired body kit, installation is the next crucial step. While some components can be fitted by a competent DIY enthusiast, professional installation is often recommended, especially for full kits or complex aerodynamic parts. This ensures proper fitment, alignment, and a high-quality finish, often including professional painting to match your vehicle's existing colour.
It's also important to consider the legalities in the UK. Ensure that any modifications do not obscure lights or registration plates, or create sharp edges that could pose a danger. Always declare significant modifications to your insurance provider, as failing to do so could invalidate your policy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Body Kits
Do body kits improve a car's performance?
While most body kits are primarily for aesthetic enhancement, certain components like rear diffusers, specific wings, and vented bonnets can genuinely improve aerodynamics by reducing drag, increasing downforce, or aiding engine cooling. However, a purely cosmetic kit will likely have little to no performance impact, and a poorly designed one could even negatively affect airflow.
Are all body kits universal?
No, the vast majority of body kits are designed specifically for particular car makes, models, and even generations. Fitment is highly precise, so a kit for a Nissan Skyline R34 will not fit an R33, for example. Always verify compatibility before purchasing.
What is the difference between a full body kit and individual components?
A full body kit typically includes a complete set of matching parts, such as front bumper, rear bumper, and side skirts, designed to transform the car's entire aesthetic. Individual components, like a standalone spoiler, lip, or bonnet, allow owners to modify specific areas or gradually build up their desired look.
How much does a body kit cost?
The price varies significantly based on the manufacturer, the specific car model, the complexity of the kit, and the materials used. A basic FRP lip spoiler might cost a few hundred pounds, while a full wide-body carbon fibre kit from a renowned brand could run into several thousands. Don't forget to factor in painting and installation costs.
Will a body kit affect my car insurance?
Yes, any modification to your vehicle, including the addition of a body kit, should be declared to your insurance company. This is because it changes the car's specification and can impact its value, repair cost, and theft risk. Failure to declare modifications could lead to your policy being invalidated.
Conclusion
The world of automotive body kits offers an incredible array of options for car enthusiasts looking to personalise their vehicles. From classic Japanese performance machines to everyday commuters and even utility vehicles, there's a styling solution available. Whether you're aiming for aggressive wide-body aesthetics, lightweight carbon fibre performance, or simply a unique visual flair, understanding the manufacturers and their specialities is the first step towards achieving your dream look. Choose wisely, install professionally, and enjoy the transformed presence of your vehicle on the road.
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