Security Supertest 2003 - MPVs and 4x4s

BMW X5 65%

Last year the X5 topped the class, but this time around our testers were able to find a way to overcome its door locks.
Otherwise, BMW’s 4x4 sets a strong standard, but it does not pick up any points for its load area, which can be accessed once the thieves are in the cabin. It could easily gain more points with the addition of etched windows.


Kia Sorento 45%

Our road testers may have been impressed by the Sorento’s all-round competence, but strong security is not among its virtues.
Our testers gained entry to the cabin in just 45 seconds, and it has no visible VIN or marked parts.
Deadlocks, locking wheelnuts and etched windows are fitted, but it’s not enough to save the Sorento from a poor score.


Peugeot 807 70%

It’s a shame our testers were able to beat the Peugeot’s door locks in just 51 seconds. In other respects the big MPV does well.
The 807 is one of only a handful of cars to pick up full marks for stereo security, and it also has plenty of marked parts, a visible VIN and locking wheelnuts.


Range Rover 90%

The Range Rover marches to the top of the class as it’s the only model that our testers couldn’t get inside within two minutes.
Range Rover’s attention to detail is praiseworthy. There’s a visible VIN, plenty of marked parts and
a stereo which is entirely useless if removed. There are no etched windows, however, and the load area is not secure enough to earn any points.


Renault Espace 75%

The Espace returns a reasonable score, helped in part by its deadlocks and standard visible VIN.
Our testers overcame the Renault’s locks in just one minute five seconds. The boot wasn’t secure enough to score any more points, though.


Vauxhall Meriva 60%

The Meriva has plenty of security kit, but unfortunately the locks weren’t up to the job. The testers were inside the cabin in one minute 37 seconds.
On the plus side, deadlocks and a visible VIN are standard. It’s a shame the Meriva has no etched windows and the luggage area isn’t secure enough to pick up extra points.


Volvo XC90 70%

We were able to overcome the XC90’s door locks in one minute 10 seconds. Had they held firm, the XC90 might have rivalled the Range Rover for top spot in this class.
The Volvo is one of few cars to pick up the full 10 points for having a stereo which is useless if stolen, even in other XC90s. The absence of window etching and a secure load area are the only other black marks.