Some enthusiasts are modifying Maruti Altos to make them look sportier. Typically that means body kits, custom paint jobs, aftermarket wheels and often times performance mods too. Its supporters say it gives personal expression and can make even the humble Alto stand out from the crowd. For them, it’s a way to enjoy car customization on a budget. But critics often see these modifications as tacky or as an attempt to make a basic car seem something it isn't. Some people debate whether these mods do anything more than make the car look dumb. Changes that alter the vehicle’s structural or handling capabilities for safety reasons are also coming into play. It raises questions on more general themes of car culture in India, the need to be unique in a sea of similar vehicles and if it makes sense to modify a budget car or save up for a higher end model.