Mitsubishi tops secure list

The most secure new cars available on the Australian market have been rated by the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.

Executive director Ray Carroll said yesterday about 200 cars had been assessed as part of Secure by Design, a new campaign highlighting the importance of vehicle security features.

Cars had been judged on entry systems, theft resistance systems and vehicle identification, he said.

The best performers included the Volkswagen Polo, Mitsubishi 380 and Audi A8.

Mr Carroll said the compulsory introduction of immobilisers in all new cars since 2001 had helped reduce motor vehicle theft in South Australia by 41 per cent between 2000 and 2006. However, RAA technical services manager Mark Borlace said while after-market immobilisers could be bought for less than $200, many car owners chose not to make the investment.

“Some people think: `This is what I have insurance for', but they need to factor in the personal inconvenience and trauma the loss of their car or the return of their car in a dirty and damaged state may cause to them,” he said.

Cars with immobilisers were also being stolen in SA.

“People are leaving their keys in the ignition at service stations, for example,” Mr Borlace said.

“Or when thieves are breaking into houses they are stealing car keys which have been left by the front door.”

The Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon were the cars most commonly targeted by thieves.

MOST SECURE VEHICLES

SMALL CARS

Volkswagen Polo (five-door hatch) and Citroen C2 (three-door hatch)

MEDIUM CAR

Subaru Liberty 2.0R

LARGE CAR

Mitsubishi 380 Sedan

LUXURY CAR

Audi A8

COMPACT SUV

BMW X3, 3.0i (five-door wagon)

LARGE SUV

Audi Q7 (five-door wagon)

PEOPLE MOVER

Volkswagen Multivan

COMMERCIAL

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo Van