The Honda Torneo has topped the list of an AA Insurance survey of the 10 most-frequently stolen vehicles.
It replaces the Nissan Silvia, which has been in the top spot of the thousands of cars stolen for the last three years.
The Nissan Elgrand is the second most popular vehicle to steal, followed by the Subaru Impreza and the Subaru Forester.
AA Insurance's Martin Fox told Checkpoint most of the vehicles targeted by thieves are older models and are the type used in street racing.
The surprise exception, he says, is the Nissan Elgrand, which is a people mover.
Mr Fox says people who live in big cities are more likely to be victims of car theft, with Aucklanders 28 times more likely to have their vehicle stolen than people living in Otago.
He says the best way to put off car thieves is to use a garage, install a car alarm or use a steering wheel lock.
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