Wantaway striker Ross McCormack was included in the starting line-up with Mark Hudson named as skipper.
David Marshall, Paul Quinn and Anthony Gerrrard also made their debuts in a much-changed City rearguard.
It was the visitors who had the first strike on goal when Gary Hooper raced through after just 15 seconds, but Marshall kept out his effort.
Two minutes later Martyn Woolford struck a shot which Marshall palmed away before clearing.
But it was the Bluebirds who went ahead with the first goal at the stadium in the 20th minute through record signing Chorpa.
McCormack started the move when he cut in side before releasing to Whittingham. His shot struck Chorpa on the heel and looped over Joe Murphy into the Iron goal.
Chopra almost added a second moments later when he brushed aside two defenders before seeing his shot rebound off the far post.
The Bluebirds were now on top and doubled their lead on the half hour when a cross from Mark Kennedy was touched home by Bothroyd.
In first-half injury time the home side went further ahead when Bothroyd found Chopra, who lashed a shot high into the net with the last kick of the half.
A mistake by Hudson gifted the ball to Iron striker Paul Hayes, but Gerrard made a saving tackle to avert the danger.
In the 60th minute their were shouts a for a penalty after Chopra's shot struck a defender, but referee Jon Moss waved play off.
Just five minutes later the visitors' post was rattled by Bothroyd following a corner.
The home side missed a host of chances in the second half and Chopra was replaced by Chris Burke in the closing minutes.
And he was duly brought down in the 90th minute for Whittingham to complete the scoring from the spot.
It was a good start to the season, but the Bluebirds will face far more difficult challenges in the season ahead.