Top 3 Chapri Cars in India

 1. Hyundai Creta 

Hyundai Creta: A Tale of Popularity and Controversy

Launched in India in 2015, the Hyundai Creta quickly became a household name in the compact SUV segment. Competing with the likes of the Kia Seltos, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and MG Astor, the Creta carved out its own niche. It’s a 5-seater SUV primarily targeted at the upper-middle-class families, offering a balance of affordability and features. While it has gained a reputation for being feature-loaded, especially in its lower-range models, the Creta has also faced some criticism for reliability issues, particularly with its electronics.

The Features that Made Creta Popular

Hyundai equipped the Creta with a host of features that made it appealing to families looking for comfort, safety, and style without breaking the bank. The petrol variant comes with a 1497cc engine, delivering 113.18 bhp @ 6300 rpm and 143.8 Nm torque @ 4500 rpm, while the 1493cc diesel engine produces 114 bhp @ 4000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1500-2750 rpm. These specs made the Creta a solid performer, especially in urban settings where compact SUVs thrive.
However, the Creta’s success also led to an unintended consequence. Its affordability and popularity in the lower trims made it accessible to a wide range of buyers, including first-time car owners and those upgrading from smaller vehicles. This shifted its image from a family-friendly SUV to something more chaotic on the road.

The “Chapri” Reputation

Over time, the Creta has unfortunately earned a reputation as what some now refer to as the “No. 1 Chapri Car of India.” The term "Chapri" refers to a certain driving culture in India that’s associated with reckless behavior, loud modifications, and aggressive driving styles. 
You can often identify a typical "Chapri" Creta driver through a few distinct behaviors:
1. Excessive Honking – Constant honking, often unnecessary, seems to be a hallmark.
2. Overuse of High Beams – Flashing the high beams (known locally as dipper) repeatedly, especially when driving behind another vehicle.
3. Rash Driving – Speeding, weaving through traffic, and near-misses are common sights.
This rough driving style, combined with modifications like loud exhausts and flashy accessories, has contributed to the Creta’s negative image in certain circles. Younger drivers, in particular, have taken to modifying their Creta's in ways that are often seen as ostentatious or over-the-top, further damaging its reputation.

Is the Creta Still a Good Buy?

Despite these image issues, the Hyundai Creta remains a capable vehicle with good engine performance, decent features, and a comfortable ride. However, with the third generation currently on the market, some have started to question whether it's still a viable option, especially considering the competition. Moreover, the high number of Creta's on the road has made it a very common sight, further reducing its exclusivity.
In conclusion, while the Hyundai Creta started off as a great option for upper-middle-class families, its affordability and appeal to younger, first-time car buyers have contributed to its decline in reputation. Nevertheless, for those who appreciate its features and practicality, it remains a solid choice—albeit one overshadowed by its newfound "Chapri" image.

2. Mahindra Thar  

Mahindra Thar: From Off-Road Icon to "Chapri" Symbol?

When Mahindra launched the new-generation Thar in 2020, it was celebrated as a rugged, 3-door off-road SUV perfect for Indian roads. With a price tag under ₹20 lakh, it seemed like a fantastic option for adventure enthusiasts and off-road lovers alike. However, what started as a promising off-roader soon gained a reputation for reasons that had little to do with its capabilities.

The Rise of the "Gangster" Thar

While the Thar was designed to tackle tough terrains, it quickly caught the attention of a different crowd. Young drivers, drawn to its aggressive "gangster" look and imposing road presence, began flocking to the vehicle. Many of these buyers had no intention of using the Thar for off-roading; instead, they sought to use it as a status symbol on city streets.
This shift in buyer demographics led to the rise of heavily modified Thars, often with loud exhausts, tinted windows, police lights, and aftermarket grills—most notably, the Rubicon-style grille, meant to imitate the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. These modifications, paired with reckless driving behavior, have unfortunately caused the Thar to earn a reputation as a “Chapri” car—a term used to describe those who are perceived to flaunt an ostentatious and aggressive driving style.

Thar’s Features: A Look Under the Hood

Despite its evolving reputation, the Mahindra Thar remains an impressive vehicle, especially for off-road enthusiasts. It offers a variety of configurations, including:
- Soft Top and Hard Top Variants
- RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) and 4x4 Versions
- Manual Transmission (MT) and Automatic Transmission (AT)
In terms of powertrains, the Thar comes with three engine options:
- 2184cc and 1497cc Diesel Engines producing a max power of 117 bhp @ 3500 rpm and max torque of 300 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm.
- 1997cc Petrol Engine, generating a max power of 160 bhp @ 5000 rpm and max torque of 330 Nm @ 1750 rpm.
Both the petrol and diesel variants come with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, making it versatile for different driving preferences.

Why the Thar May Not Be the Best Family Car

Despite its off-road credentials and robust build, the Thar has its limitations, especially as a family car. It’s a 4-seater vehicle, but the rear seats are cramped and not ideal for long journeys. If you’re planning to buy a Thar, it's best suited as a secondary vehicle meant for adventure trips or weekend getaways, rather than your main mode of transport for daily family duties.

The "Chapri" Thar Phenomenon

Unfortunately, like the Hyundai Creta, the Mahindra Thar has also fallen victim to certain stereotypes. You can often spot a typical "Chapri" Thar driver by looking out for these signs:
1. Police Lights or Sirens – Often installed illegally to mimic authority.
2. Excessively Loud Horns – Used frequently and unnecessarily.
3. Overuse of High Beams (Dipper) – Especially when driving behind other vehicles.
4. Loud Music– Blasting at full volume, regardless of the setting.
5. 5-Spoke Silver Alloy Wheels – A common and flashy modification.
6. Rash Driving – Aggressive lane switching, speeding, and near-accidents are common behaviors.
These flashy modifications and reckless driving styles have contributed to the Thar’s decline from an enthusiast's off-road machine to a vehicle often associated with a certain rowdy, show-off culture.

Conclusion: The Thar’s Dual Identity

At its core, the Mahindra Thar remains a great vehicle for what it was designed to do—tackle rough terrains and offer a true off-road experience. However, its growing association with a brash driving style and excessive modifications has tarnished its image among more serious automotive enthusiasts. While it’s still a solid choice for adventure seekers, those buying it solely for road presence or "gangster" looks should be aware that the Thar’s reputation on the streets has changed significantly.

Ultimately, the Thar is no longer just an off-roader; it’s become a cultural symbol—one that now comes with both praise and a fair share of criticism.

3. Mahindra Scorpio Classic   

 

Mahindra Scorpio Classic: From Iconic SUV to "Chapri" Status Symbol

First launched in 2005, the Mahindra Scorpio Classic, often referred to as the "OG Scorpio," revolutionized the Indian SUV market. As a rugged, 7-seater vehicle, it quickly gained popularity among politicians, businessmen, and middle-class families alike. The Scorpio's bold design, powerful presence, and practicality made it an instant hit, especially in states like Haryana, Delhi NCR, UP, and Bihar.
While the Scorpio became known for its road dominance and commanding driving position, it also found favor among more notorious circles. It was a vehicle of choice for underworld dons due to its reliability, spacious boot, and intimidating presence. This association with power figures, both legitimate and criminal, turned the Scorpio into a symbol of status, strength, and authority—something that appealed to many.

The Scorpio Craze and Its Youthful Appeal

As the Scorpio cemented its place as a power symbol, it began to catch the attention of a younger crowd, eager to own a vehicle with such a strong road presence. The allure of being associated with the "gangster" and "mafia" image led many youths to aspire to own this SUV, even if they had little use for its off-road capabilities.
The Scorpio’s iconic design and high driving position made it stand out, and over time, it became a sought-after vehicle for those wanting to make a bold statement on the road. However, this growing demand from younger buyers and their tendency to flaunt its power resulted in a shift in the vehicle’s image.

The Evolution of the Mahindra Scorpio

The original Scorpio came with a 2.6-liter, 4-cylinder diesel engine that produced 120 bhp @ 4000 rpm and 290 Nm of torque @ 1800-2800 rpm. Over its 19-year journey, the Scorpio underwent several upgrades and engine changes to meet evolving market needs. Today, the Scorpio Classic is powered by a 2184cc engine, delivering 130.07 bhp @ 3750 rpm and 300 Nm of torque @ 1600-2800 rpm.
These specs ensure that the Scorpio remains a capable and powerful vehicle, especially for those seeking an SUV that can handle both urban roads and rough terrains. Despite its lack of cutting-edge electronics and luxury features found in modern cars, the Scorpio is still revered for its reliability, simplicity, and toughness.

The "Chapri" Reputation and Scorpio’s Downfall

So how did the Mahindra Scorpio, once an admired vehicle, end up with the "Chapri" label? The answer lies in the misuse of the vehicle by a certain demographic. Many owners, driven by the desire to assert dominance on the road, began modifying their Scorpios with tacky, flashy add-ons like oversized alloys, low-profile tires, and loud exhausts. These drivers, often referred to as "Chapri" (a term associated with ostentatious and reckless behavior), started engaging in dangerous driving practices, tarnishing the Scorpio’s once-proud reputation.

You can often spot a typical "Chapri" Scorpio driver by looking for these behaviors:

1. Police Lights or Sirens – Illegally installed to mimic authority vehicles.
2. Loud Horns– Used excessively to demand right of way.
3. Overuse of High Beams (Dipper) – Flashing high beams aggressively while tailgating.
4. Loud Music – Played at deafening volumes in residential areas.
5. Political Party Flags– Displayed on a rod, often giving an impression of affiliation with    power.
6. Flashy Modifications – Including chrome alloys, aftermarket lights, and low-profile tires.
7. Rash Driving – Reckless lane-switching and speeding, often leading to near-accidents.
8. Unruly Behavior – Hanging out of windows or creating public nuisances while driving.
These behaviors have led many to associate the Scorpio with rowdy, attention-seeking individuals, causing families and more conservative buyers to shy away from it as their primary vehicle.

Is the Scorpio Still a Good Car?

Despite its fall into the "Chapri" stereotype, the Mahindra Scorpio Classic remains a reliable SUV. Its enduring sales figures are a testament to its strong mechanical build and continued popularity among certain groups. However, the vehicle's macho image and association with reckless drivers have made it less appealing to families, who now often opt for more understated SUVs with advanced features and a family-friendly design.
In conclusion, while the Mahindra Scorpio Classic is still a capable and reliable vehicle, its reputation as a "Chapri" car has made it less desirable for many potential buyers. For those who appreciate its commanding road presence and rugged build, it remains a solid choice—but it's no longer the first pick for the average Indian family looking for a safe, refined, and practical SUV.