Chequered roof or butterflies on the bonnet? A striped car, or why not one covered in polka-dots? 20 more or less daring designs can be chosen by buyers of a new Volvo C30.

Starting April 7, Volvo Cars in Sweden is the first car brand to make it possible for new-car buyers in this Scandinavian country to specify applique film on the bodywork panels of their cars. And the design team really has let its hair down. Zebra patterns and urban panoramas compete with rainbows and wood panelling, flames and clouds.

The applique film, which is removable, is not there just to look good - it also helps protect the car. The film offers guaranteed durability for about two years, after which it is replaced with a new variant or removed completely. The car’s paintwork has in the meantime been spared the rigours of the weather, wind and risk of stone-chip damage.

The applique film, which previously only used to be available on cars for advertising purposes and to special order, is now available for all customers.