What is a Ricer mod, and why Indian car mods will always be ‘Ricers’

Now and then, beautifully modified cars are called ‘ricers’, often making the owners of these cars angry, very angry. So, what exactly is a ‘ricer’ car, or a ricer mod? And why will most Indian car mods always be ricers. We explain.

What is a ‘ricer’ car or a ‘ricer’ mod?

The term ‘ricer’ was first used in North America’s car underground (illegal) modification scene. Ricer refers to cars from Japan, modified mainly in terms of looks, but that have no performance modifications. So, cars that used to look flashy, with lots of body modifications, and stickers, but whose engines were untouched, were called ‘ricers’, in a derogatory way. A modification that is meant to only enhance the car’s looks but not make it go any faster is referred to as a ‘ricer’ mod.

Now that we know what a ‘ricer’ is, let’s understand why most cars in India are ‘ricers’ and why the modification scene is likely to remain like this for some time to come.

Draconian rules

Anything apart from the mildest car modifications needs RTO approval in India. While the same is applicable in other countries like the USA and UK, the transport authorities there have well defined standards and approval methods for modifications.

In India though, there are no such standards. And most RTOs are said to be highly corrupt making the endorsement of modifications quite difficult. What this does is, it prevents a lot of enthusiasts from attempting major modifications on their cars.

For example, engine swaps, which are very common abroad, are frowned upon by the RTO in India due to draconian rules drafted many decades ago. Any attempt to deviate from a stock car can get your into trouble. Why, even adding a roof carrier to your car may require RTO approval in many parts of India.

So, most enthusiasts here choose to play it safe, and stick to what is known as ‘ricer’ mods on their cars. That includes big wing spoilers on the boots, loud exhausts, lowering kits, suicide doors, body kits, stickers, wraps and paint jobs. While the RTO can still fine you for these modifications, they generally take a lenient view to the modifications we’ve listed above.

A very small enthusiast-base

Most Indian car buyers are more concerned about the mileage that their cars deliver than the kind of performance they’re capable of. The number of people buying high-performance/fun-to-drive cars is still low. In other words, the number of ‘actual’ car enthusiasts in India is low.

That explains why high performance affordable cars generally fail to sell well in India. Take for example the Fiat Punto Abarth, which is very fast and affordable (by hot hatch standards). It sells less than 20 units each month. The Fiat Avventura Abarth does no better. Even the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI/TDI models are poor sellers.

Also see – Indian enthusiast: Want fast cars but won’t buy them