When it comes to vehicle hijackings in South Africa, some cars are simply less attractive to criminals. Data collected by King Price Insurance over a two-year period highlights 10 car models that are at a lower risk of being hijacked. The reasons, experts say, are largely tied to demand and parts availability.

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Why Some Cars Are More Vulnerable

Ernest North, co-founder of Naked Insurance, points out that certain makes and models are inherently more vulnerable, with some showing a 10% to 20% higher likelihood of theft or hijacking. Fidelity Services Group CEO Wahl Bartmann echoes this view, noting that hijackings are often driven by supply and demand.

Popular cars such as the Toyota Hilux and Volkswagen Polo often top the list of South Africa’s best-sellers, making them prime targets. The widespread availability of their parts further increases their attractiveness to criminals, particularly Toyota vehicles, which are common across Africa.

Factors That Make Cars Less Targeted

Cars that are less common or harder to service tend to be hijacked less frequently. Limited popularity outside South Africa or the scarcity of spare parts makes these vehicles unattractive to criminals. For example:

The Ford Fiesta, Figo, and Nissan Almera have been discontinued, making replacement parts difficult to find.
The Subaru Forester is uncommon among South African drivers, reducing its appeal.

King Price’s List of Least Hijacked Cars

Compiling reported incidents from January 2021 to April 2023, King Price identified the following 10 models as the least hijacked (in no particular order):

Audi Q3
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
Ford Fiesta
Ford Figo
Hyundai Creta
Nissan Almera
Nissan Magnite
Subaru Forester
Suzuki Vitara
Renault Clio

Trends in Vehicle Hijackings

High-value SUVs and double-cab vehicles such as the Toyota Fortuner and Hilux are often stolen for their engines, as these cars handle Africa’s rugged roads well. Bartmann also notes that roughly 30% of stolen or hijacked vehicles under Fidelity’s coverage were taken across the country’s borders.

No Car Is Completely Safe

While the 10 cars listed have a lower risk of being hijacked, no vehicle is entirely immune to theft. King Price emphasizes that their list reflects data within their footprint and serves as a guide to low-risk vehicles. To get a more accurate picture, hijacking incidents should be weighed against the total number of cars on South African roads.

Choosing a car less attractive to criminals can reduce risk, but drivers should always remain vigilant and invest in security measures, regardless of make or model.