Security Supertest 2003 - Winners and losers

Overall the standard of new car security is a world away from what it was a decade ago, as our results over recent years have proven. We are disappointed to find we were able to break into a higher proportion of cars this year than last, but that shouldn’t detract from the fact that not one of the cars in this year’s test could be driven away inside the five-minute target time recommended by the Home Office. It’s now easier for thieves to steal a car’ keys than to overcome its locks and immobiliser.

Nonetheless, we still believe that standards can and should improve further. For one thing, we’d like to see more cars fitted with tracking devices, something many insurers already insist upon for high performance cars.

What’s more, while the professional car thief will try to steal a car with the minimum of damage, a petty criminal after a mobile phone or a lap-top will have no such qualms. That’s why we believe secure glazing could be the next big thing in car security. We’ll find out whether manufacturers agree with us this time next year.

Click here to see the full table of results.