It is third time unlucky for the Honda Torneo after topping the most frequently stolen car list for the third consecutive year.

AA Insurance this week released the 10 most frequently stolen cars, based on its own claims data, with the Honda taking top spot again after debuting on the list in 2010.

The Honda Torneo.

The Subaru Impreza continues to be a popular target, holding its second place spot from last year.

Other Subaru models, Forester and Legacy, have been jostled down the list by new Mazda entries, Premacy and Familia, while the Atenza climbed four places into sixth position.

Nissan models also prove a favourite with thieves, with the Cefiro and Sunny making the list once again but the Nissan Skyline and Honda Integra were both pushed off.

But owners of newer car models should not be alarmed, as thieves prefer older vehicles because they tend to have less sophisticated security features and are often easier to steal, says AA Insurance head of customer relations Suzanne Wolton.

AA Insurance claims data shows a car manufactured before 2000 is more than four times as likely to be stolen than a car manufactured since 2005.

'New Zealand has a large number of ageing, imported cars, and our claims show that older models, which have less-advanced or no security features than newer vehicles, are easy targets for thieves,” says Suzanne.

'Whether your car is an older import or not, there are some simple things you can do to make your car less attractive to thieves,” says Suzanne.

Thieves also prefer older vehicles with less sophisticated security features, AA Insurance finding 92 per cent of theft claims for models in the top-10 list are for cars manufactured more than 10 years ago.

'Install an alarm, a steering lock or consider an immobiliser and make sure it's in view. Thieves will always go for the easiest, fastest option, so if you make it just a little bit harder for them then chances are they'll lose interest in your car and move on to an easier target.”

Mount Auto Court company director Aaron Kidd says the list tends to show car makes and models that appeal to a 'younger generation” making them popular for theft.

He agrees the more comprehensive alarm and security systems on newer models pose as deterrence for thieves.

'I guess it would make them think two or three times about jumping in and swiping one off the side of the road,” says Aaron.

'The immobiliser and alarm is certainly a good selling point because for a consumer that offers them a reduction on their insurance premium as well. It's probably not at the top of the list but it's of high importance for a lot of buyers.”

Suzanne says despite vehicle theft remaining a concern, it's reassuring to know that theft has decreased by more than 13,000 cars during the past four years.

New Zealand Police crime statistics report there were 48,301 motor vehicle thefts and related offences in 2012/2013, compared to 55,618 in 2011/2012, 58,299 in 2010/2011, and 61,363 in 2009/2010.

The average value of a stolen vehicle claim from the top 10 list is $4,977.

Top 10 Stolen Cars (Source: AA Insurance claims data 1 May 2010 – 30 April 2014)

1. Honda Torneo

2. Subaru Impreza

3. Mazda Premacy

4. Mazda Familia

5. Subaru Forester

6. Mazda Atenza

7. Subaru Legacy

8. Mazda MPV

9. Nissan Sunny

10. Nissan Cefiro