Security Supertest 2003 - Small Family Cars

Ford Focus Estate 65%

The Focus has had a strong record in our Security Supertest, becoming joint-winner of this class in 2001. This year, however, we were able to overcome the door locks in a mere 47 seconds.
This failing aside, the Ford scores reasonably well. Deadlocks will stop a thief opening doors through a smashed window, while a visible VIN, marked parts and locking wheelnuts are all provided.


MG ZS 80%

Older designs tend not to fare too well in our security tests, so our team were impressed by the MG, which earns second spot in this class. It managed to resist our best efforts to break into the cabin, and has a visible VIN and enough marked parts for a further 10 points. We were disappointed to see that deadlocks are not fitted, however.


Renault Megane 70%

The new Megane can’t match its five-star Euro NCAP score when it comes to security.
Its results are still respectable all the same, with plenty of boxes ticked by our testers.
The Renault would have come far closer to the best in class if its door locks had held out for a little longer, but it missed out by just six seconds.


Subaru Impreza 45%

Such a desirable car could do with top-level security, so we’re disappointed to see the Impreza picking up less than half marks.
It’s fitted with deadlocks, locking wheelnuts and a unique-fit stereo, but it’s easy get into the boot, there are no etched windows or any visible VIN.
The Subaru’s locks also succumbed in just 51 seconds.


Toyota Corolla 60%

Toyota has a strong reputation for car security, but the Corolla disappointed us.
Although flaws uncovered last year were quickly addressed, we were inside the cabin in just 46 seconds.
There are some plus points to note, though, including deadlocks and marked parts. Etched windows and locking wheelnuts are also standard.


Vauxhall Astra 65%

A so-so score for Vauxhall. Our biggest concern is that it took our testers just 40 seconds to overcome its door locks.
As with all cars in this class, thieves are able to access the boot once they are inside the cabin, and the Astra loses more points because the windows aren’t etched.
Otherwise the list of standard security kit is strong.


Volkswagen Golf 85%

This is the third year on the trot that the Golf has proved the best of the small family car class.
However hard our team of testers tried, they simply couldn’t find a way to overcome the well protected looks within two minutes.
Etched windows would be a welcome and simple addition to a good range of security features.