Now to the age of motorised vehicles - and irrespective of whether it is a tiny Volkswagen Beetle or a huge stretch-Limousine, there are those who add those extra trimmings to make their chariot look different. And despite the many varieties of cars that rule the roads of this city, there is always that one car which makes you turn around for a second look as it whizzes by. Maybe because of its unusual colour or that motif painted on its side or its wheels and lights... or just about anything. But then there are also many who go in for more subtle changes.

Meet 24-year-old Abhijeet Tawre, who has effectively combined his passion for cars and music. This young MBA graduate likes ``to be different'' in every field. So can his car be far behind? Abhijeet has really jazzed up his father's Maruti Gypsy and Esteem - but nothing garish for him. ``It should look elegant,'' says this youngster, ``dignified enough for my father and I. Whatever I have spent on is quality stuff.'' It is quality stuff alright, and underplayed at that.

The original wheels have been replaced with special extra-wide ones with tubeless tyres. ``They make for easier handling and a liquid filled inside helps detect punctures. Even if there is a puncture, it can carry on for 100 kms,'' he explains. The aerial for the cellular phone peeps out discreetly from behind. The interior is soft grey real-leather upholstery.

But what will have you zapped is the music system. Abhijeet replaced the original Kenwood with a Pioneer, for better sound quality. Along with it are two speakers, amplifiers, tweeters and woofers merging beautifully with the decor, so as to be almost invisible. An 12-CD changer snuggles down in a corner of the boot. Abhijeet controls the volume with a small remote, but even more convenient is another remote, strapped to the wheel, ``so that I can control it while driving, without taking my hands off the wheels.''

His Maruti Gypsy is a little more flashy, with large halogen lights and a more colourful interior, but no fridge, bar or revolving singing brake-lights for Abhijeet, who finds them quite crude and unnecessary.

If the cars are more scaled-down versions, it is with his Kinetic Honda that Abhijeet really let himself go. Painted with an unusual design and fitted with an array of gadgets, it is the only one of its kind in Pune and is recognisable from afar by his pals. ``Once when I lent it to a friend, he was stopped on the road by another group of friends who thought that this chap was making off with my bike.''

Vikas Bhandari helps his father in their family business on Jangli Maharaj Road. Since they deal in car accessories, it is little wonder that their car is also outfitted a little differently. The `car-cop' fitted to the door wails loudly in case anyone tampers with the door, which can be accessed only with a remote. The power-operated windows slide up effortlessly. The steering wheel is a lovely polished teak. The upholstery is black leather with tiny beads for a a soothing acupressure effect.

And for those desiring that special look, you will find a range of mats, seat-covers, wheel-covers and car stereos of the removable kind, car A/Cs, fridges to hold six to eight bottles, car TVs at their establishment. If you are a weather-conscious type, the temperature gauge would be just the thing for you, or if you have a sensitive nose then it is the air-freshener bottle.

``But what everyone is going in for is the clear-tinted sunfilm,'' reveals Vikas. It cuts out the glare of the sun, and at the same time, lets in all the light. And you cannot even make out that a film has actually been attached.

Dhanesh Bafna also claims to be an exclusive dealer for a transparent film which he imports - it cuts out 99 per cent of the glare. His small outlet on J.M. Road and a bigger showroom at Somwar Peth is a favourite haunt for car enthusiasts and a mecca for Abhijeet, who got his entire vehicle out-fitted there.