[The Brutailer]

The biggest stereotype I can think of from yesteryears is Maruti Omni.

Maruti Omni = Kidnapper's car thanks to so many trashy hindi movies showcasing it.

And agree with other stereotypes already mentioned by others. Have to laugh and agree because they are actually true lol.

[ashwin489]

I've got a lot of stressful deadlines to keep up with. So, I did this instead!

Brand-centric stereotypes based on owner's priorities.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by ashwin489

Brand-centric stereotypes based on owner's priorities.

Here's a related thread that discusses our brand perceptions - link.

Originally Posted by The Brutailer

Maruti Omni = Kidnapper's car thanks to so many trashy hindi movies showcasing it.

I think the Omni is the ultimate kidnapper's car.

- Cheap: So even small-time kidnappers can buy it

- Sliding doors: Easy to load & unload the victim

- Space: Lots of room at the back. Helpful if you wrapped your victim up in a gunny bag

- Bumpy ride quality: If the sedatives didn't knock him out, the truck-like ride certainly will

- Cargo version available: No tinted glasses allowed anymore, so you can hide your activities behind the full metal doors

- Red light: Buy your Omni in white & stick a red light on top - everyone will make way for you / the supposed ambulance

- Common: With about 10 lakh Omnis on our roads (estimated), it's easy to get lost in the crowd. Imagine a cop announcing on the radio "white Omni making getaway"...they won't know where to start

- Fuel-efficient & low servicing costs: Good ROI for the kidnapper. LPG & CNG kits are aplenty

- Petrol engine (unlike the diesel UVs): Drive in a stealth manner next to your victim; silently move in and out

- Tiny turning radius = quick getaway

- Lack of safety: If your victim tries to act over smart, make him sit in the front passenger seat (no protection ahead) . That experience ought to scare him for good & teach him how to behave

- Excellent reliability: With cops on your tail, the last thing you want is a breakdown

[iliketurtles]

Originally Posted by GTO

I think the Omni is the ultimate kidnapper's car. *snip*

Clearly, you've given this a lot of thought. Must remember not to get on your bad side.

Back on topic, it's clear that certain cars come with a perception all their own

BMW - THE car brand for automotive enthusiasts. The jury is still out as to whether this is still true.

Alfa Romeo - For the hardcore, masochistic car enthusiast

Toyota Corolla - The car for sensible value seekers

Hyundai - For those that want a Toyota, but with a generous dollop of style

Indica - Taxi please

Innova - The no-nonsense people carrier

White Fortuners - Make way for the politician

Heck, even colors have certain preconceptions

Red - Passionate thrill seekers

Black/miscellaneous dark shades - Admirers of style

White - Those that like to play it seriously safe

Silver - The color of choice for those that seek to strike a balance between being stylish and sensible

That's my 2 cents.

[harry10]

Nice thread. Dont know about stereotyping but this is my perception about specific cars when I see them on road. My apologies to any owners who drive them in advance.

Nano - Cute but won't survive a crash.
Alto - worst slow drivers who always hog the main lane and will be oblivious to all the honking.
Kwid- suv wannabe.
Wagon R - Tin can.
Omni - kidnappers car as stated in other posts.
Eeco- rash taxi drivers with no concern to anyone's life.
Indica/Indigo/Tavera/Innova- Safe solid looking cars only meant for taxis.
Swift- teenage rash driver who thinks speeding and cutting lanes is the only thrill left in life.
I10- too generic.
I20 - sexy
Jazz- amalgamation of all hatchbacks.
Tiago/Tigor - so pleasing on eyes but won't sell.
Amaze/Xcent - neither here nor there.
Ameo/Ignis - Ugly
City/Corolla - Too overpriced but always reliable.
Ciaz- unappealing design and only selling cos others are overpriced.
Baleno- Welcome to a bone jarring back breaking experience in the backseat.
Xuv500- Macho
Scorpio- driven by goons and meant for bullying others.
Fortuner/Endeavour - too huge for city drives.
Superb/Jetta/Passat - german engineering lover who can't afford big brothers.
BMW- driving enthusiast.
Audi - Gizmo and bling lover.
Merc - businessman who demands luxury in everything.
Volvo- understated.
Jaguar/Range Rover- Pure class.
Ferrari/ Lamborghini / Porsche - Exquisite. Wish I could own one someday..
Bentley/Rolls Royce - Status flaunter celebrity.

[NH7]

do we stereotype drivers of various car/brands in India?

Agree with most of what has been posted so far, fun but true. My two cents- Low spec Germans( Audi 1.4, BMW 316/318/520 etc): wannabes/showoffs. Above cars with aftermarket spoilers/ racing tow hooks: showoff+ compensation for manhood. ORVM broken/folded: ****hole. Off the neighbourhood accessories shop 'mods'/ sponsor stickers: Teenager/ villager. Kids names on rear glass: villager confirmed. Oversized bull bar: rogue driver. Above+ India/ party flag: Never mind, give way grin and bear it. Factory chrome blacked out: respect! All the above cars, if properly maintained/detailed: benefit of doubt given.