Body-colored mirrors
ExtérieurAverage price
150€ - 400€
Body-colored mirrors, also known as color-coded mirrors, refer to a finish where the exterior mirror caps are painted in the same color as the vehicle's bodywork. This feature, often absent on entry-level models which feature raw black plastic caps, is a significant aesthetic marker. It helps create a more harmonious, fluid, and upscale appearance. By unifying the color of the mirrors with the rest of the vehicle, automotive designers achieve a sleeker and more coherent silhouette where the car's lines are not interrupted. This finishing detail, although subtle, has a considerable impact on the overall perception of quality and design attention. It is generally offered as standard on mid- and high-level trims, or included in 'Style' or 'Design' option packs. The process involves painting and clear-coating identical to that of the bodywork to ensure a perfect color match and increased durability against weather and UV rays. In short, body-colored mirrors are a key element that enhances a vehicle's aesthetics and signals a higher level of equipment.
Benefits
- ✓Aesthetic harmony and unified design
- ✓Perception of higher quality and upscale positioning
- ✓Enhanced resale value of the vehicle
- ✓Better integration of the vehicle's lines
Learn more
What are body-colored mirrors?
Body-colored mirrors, also known as 'color-coded', are an automotive design feature where the outer shell of the side mirrors is painted the same color as the rest of the vehicle. This detail, which may seem minor, plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetics and the perceived market segment of a car. On entry-level trims, it is common to find matte black plastic mirror caps, an economical solution that can break the flow of the vehicle's lines. Conversely, adopting a body-matching color creates a more integrated, elegant, and polished appearance, instantly giving a sense of moving upmarket.
The impact on design and segment perception
The choice to integrate body-colored mirrors is not trivial for manufacturers. It is a simple and effective visual indicator of the trim level. A buyer can often distinguish an 'Active' version from an 'Allure' or 'GT' version at Peugeot simply by this type of detail. By unifying the silhouette, this finish allows the vehicle's original design to express itself fully, without being disrupted by contrasting color elements. This contributes to a purer and more sophisticated aesthetic, enhancing the model's visual appeal. For many drivers, this is a prerequisite for a modern and well-finished-looking car.
The main advantages of body-colored mirrors
Harmony and elegance:
They ensure visual continuity along the vehicle's profile, offering a smoother and chicer appearance.
Vehicle enhancement:
A car equipped with this finish is perceived as being of higher quality, which can have a positive impact on its residual value and resale potential.
Trim level indicator:
It is a distinctive sign of higher equipment levels, which often include other comfort and technology options.
Increased protection:
The layer of paint and clear coat offers additional protection to the plastic shell against UV rays and minor external impacts, compared to raw plastic.
Body-colored vs. Contrasting mirrors: A matter of style
While body-colored mirrors are synonymous with elegance and harmony, a strong trend also favors contrasting-colored mirrors. Many manufacturers offer gloss black mirror caps, chrome ones, or even bright colors (particularly on city cars like the Citroën C3 or Mini) to create a sportier, more dynamic, or customized look. These finishes are often associated with sports packs (such as S-Line, R-Line, or M Sport trims) or special editions. The choice between body-colored and contrasting mirrors therefore depends entirely on the desired style: discreet elegance for the former, assertiveness and dynamism for the latter.
Availability and option cost
Today, the majority of new vehicles, starting from intermediate trim levels, include body-colored mirrors as standard. For entry-level models, this option is often bundled into a 'Style Pack' or 'City Pack' that may include other aesthetic elements such as body-colored door handles or alloy wheels. In the event of damage (such as a parking scrape), replacing a painted mirror cap is more expensive than replacing a black plastic one, because it requires factoring in the cost of the part as well as the painting process to ensure a perfect match with the bodywork. Replacement costs can range from €150 to over €400 depending on the model and the complexity of the paint.
Finitions équipées
83 finition(s) proposent cet équipement
Citroën Citroën C1
Elle (2nd generation) (2017-2019)
Citroën Citroën C1
Origins (2nd generation) (2019-2020)
DS Automobiles DS 9
Performance Line (1st generation) (2021-2026)
Dacia Dacia Dokker
Stepway (1st generation) (2015-2017)
Dacia Dacia Logan
Ambiance (1st generation) (2010-2012)
Dacia Dacia Sandero
Ambiance (1st generation) (2010-2012)
Fiat Fiat 500
Anniversario (1st generation) (2017-2018)
Fiat Fiat 500
Mirror (1st generation) (2016-2018)
Fiat Fiat 600
Seicento Young (end of Seicento / 2010 transition) (2010)
Fiat Fiat Tipo
Street (1st generation) (2018-2020)
Ford Ford EcoSport
Red Edition (1st European generation) (2016-2017)
Ford Ford Ka+
Color Edition (Ka+ 1st generation) (2017-2018)
Ford Ford Ka+
White Edition (Ka+ 1st generation) (2017-2018)
Ford Ford Ranger
Black Edition (Facelifted T6 generation) (2017-2019)
Ford Ford Tourneo Courier
Black Edition (1st generation) (2018-2020)
Hyundai Accent
Black Edition (4th generation RB) (2014-2016)
Hyundai i40
Black Edition (Phase 2) (2017-2019)
Hyundai ix35
Black Edition (1st generation) (2013-2015)
Infiniti Infiniti QX30
City Black (1st generation) (2017-2019)
Infiniti Infiniti QX60
QX60 Autograph (2nd generation) (2023-2026)
Associated equipment
GT Line Trim
The GT Line trim is an equipment level offered by certain car manufacturers, notably Peugeot and Kia, designed to give vehicles a resolutely sporty appearance and feel without incorporating the most powerful and expensive engines. Directly inspired by high-performance GT (Grand Tourisme) models, the GT Line trim focuses on specific design elements. On the outside, this translates to more aggressive front and rear bumpers, a distinctive grille (often in gloss black), large-diameter alloy wheels with an exclusive design, black mirror caps, and frequently a dual chrome exhaust tip. Inside, the atmosphere is similarly energized with sports seats offering better lateral support, a flat-bottomed perforated leather sports wheel, aluminum pedals, and contrasting stitching (usually red) on the upholstery, steering wheel, and door panels. This trim represents an excellent compromise for drivers looking for the style and character of a sports car, but with the advantages of a standard engine in terms of purchase cost, insurance, and fuel consumption. It is generally positioned as a high-end offering, just below the authentic GT versions.
Chrome grille
The chrome grille is a body component located at the front of the vehicle, serving both as protection for the radiator and as a distinctive aesthetic signature. Acting as the "face" of the car, it plays a crucial role in the visual identity of the brand and model. The chrome treatment consists of applying a thin layer of chromium onto a base, typically made of ABS plastic, through an electroplating process. This shiny and reflective finish gives the vehicle a more luxurious, elegant, and upscale appearance. Historically associated with prestige cars, the chrome grille is now widely used across many trim levels, from family sedans to SUVs, to enhance their perceived status. Beyond its decorative aspect, it allows adequate airflow for engine cooling. Its design can vary considerably, ranging from simple horizontal or vertical slats to more complex and intricate patterns, often incorporating the manufacturer's logo at its center. It is a finishing detail that can radically transform the perception of a vehicle, making it look more sophisticated and polished.
Metallic Paint
Metallic paint is a highly popular body finish in the automotive industry, distinguished by its unique brilliance and depth. Unlike a solid (opaque) paint, its composition incorporates fine aluminum particles, known as flakes, mixed into the base color coat. The entire finish is then covered with one or more layers of clear coat. It is this multi-layer structure that gives it its distinctive properties. The aluminum flakes reflect light at various angles, creating a shimmering effect and a perception of depth that opaque paints cannot offer. This effect varies considerably depending on the lighting, bringing the bodywork to life and highlighting the vehicle's lines and curves. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the protective clear coat offers better resistance to external aggressions such as UV rays, minor scratches, and environmental contaminants. Offered as an option on most vehicles, it represents an excellent compromise between elegance, durability, and a reasonable extra cost compared to other special finishes such as pearlescent or matte.
Black mirrors
Black mirrors are an increasingly popular exterior design element in the automotive industry. Instead of being painted the same color as the bodywork, the exterior mirror caps are finished in black, generally gloss black or matte. This feature, once reserved for sports or high-end models, has become widely democratized. Black mirrors serve primarily to create a strong visual contrast with the body color, accentuating the vehicle's lines and giving it a more dynamic and aggressive stance. They are often a key component of styling packages offered by manufacturers, such as the 'Night Pack', 'Black Pack', or 'Shadow Line'. These packages group together several black design elements (grille, window surrounds, roof rails, wheels) to create a cohesive theme. Beyond aesthetics, choosing black can also be practical, as this color can better conceal micro-scratches than certain light shades. Whether in gloss black plastic, matte finish, or carbon fiber for the most exclusive versions, black mirrors are a simple yet effective way to personalize a vehicle and enhance its character.
Roof bars
Roof bars are an essential exterior accessory to increase a vehicle's transport capacity. Fitted to the roof, they serve as a support for a multitude of accessories such as roof boxes, bike racks, ski racks or kayak racks. There are two main types of bars: longitudinal bars, often factory-fitted and parallel to the length of the vehicle, and crossbars, which are attached perpendicularly to the longitudinal bars or directly to the roof via specific anchorage points. Made predominantly of steel or aluminum, they combine robustness and lightness. Steel is an economical and highly resistant option, whereas aluminum offers better aerodynamics, corrosion resistance and reduced weight, thereby limiting excessive fuel consumption and wind noise. The choice of roof bars depends on the car model, the type of roof attachment available (fixing points, raised or flush roof rails, normal roof) and the maximum authorized load of the vehicle. They are an indispensable accessory for families, sports enthusiasts and anyone needing extra cargo space without compromising interior comfort.