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- As insurance company PR stunts go, this one is rather interesting: swiftcover.com is launching an annual Vehicle Vandalism Index.
Looking at stats running from November 2009 to November 2010, it's worked out which cars are most likely to fall victim to petty damage inflicted by jealous troglodytes. And as you might suspect, it turns out this isn't entirely indiscriminate.
The vast majority of cars featuring in the top 10 slot into the executive class - with swiftcover.com even going so far as to label them status symbols. Contrast this with the UK's most popular car, the Ford Focus.
The Focus has a VV - yes, that's Vehicle Vandalism - Index rating of 1.88. Compared that to the 5.56 VV Index in the case of the number one target on swiftcover.com's list. The bigger the number, the greater the chance you'll return to find the car's been keyed or had the wing mirror knocked off (based on a calculation worked out from the percentage multiplied by 10).
So what is the UK's number one automotive vandal victim, according to swiftcover.com?
Number 10 - BMW 530
Kicking off the top 10 - so to speak - who'd have guessed it? A BMW. In fact, swiftcover.com singles out the BMW 530 in particular (without being specific about generation, or fuel) as the 10th most likely vandal victim in the UK. Its VV Index rating is 3.92.
Number 9 - BMW 525
And just to prove exactly how much many a mis-aligned yoof despises the 5 Series, the BMW 525 makes it into the number 9 spot. We'd speculate the comparatively greater number of 525s as the basic explanation of its higher 4.05 VV Index score.
Number 8 - Skoda Octavia
Just when we thought we were getting the hang of this, a spanner in the works: number 8 on the list is the Skoda Octavia. Not exactly known for being a status symbol, perhaps the vandals just can't stand the smug satisfaction of an owner group that knows it got a really good car for not much money. 4.09 VV index.
Number 7 - BMW X5
Ah, that's more like it - the BMW X5 takes number 7. We're actually struggling to think of a more likely target for vandalism than this particular Chelsea tractor, and so it seems are the vandals as it's actually the only SUV on the list. 4.24 VV Index.
Number 6 - Mazda MX5
Put the scissors down, people. Apparently cat fights at the hairdressers are all too common, with the Mazda MX-5 finding itself at number six. 4.31 VV Index.
Number 5 - Audi TT
Colour us surprised, but this is actually the only Audi on the list - compared to, er, four and a half BMWs. It seems the old stereotypes about BMW drivers are still alive and well in the minds of the paint-keying masses. Still, with a VV Index of 4.48, the TT broaches the top five.
Number 4 - Mercedes CLK
On top of which, this is the only Mercedes - the CLK is quite a flash looking motor, but it seems even Mercedes didn't like its image much, killing it off after the last generation. Watch out E-Class coupé and convertible owners next time, we say. VV Index 4.52.
Number 3 - BMW Mini One
Breaking into the top three with a VV Index of 4.62 is that half a BMW we referred to earlier - the Mini. Curiously swiftcover.com names the Mini One specifically. Why does the cooking version command such wrath, we wonder? A statement on your inability to afford a sportier model, perhaps.
Number 2 - BMW Z4
Number two vehicular vandal victim in the UK? The BMW Z4. A curious choice in many respects - it's much less in your face than many other BMWs available. Maybe it's an artistic statement, deploring the flame surfaced styling bedecking the original. Shame. VV Index 4.75.
Number 1 - Lexus IS
Be honest now - you really weren't expecting this. The number one car most likely to be vandalised in the UK is (according to swiftcover.com, don't forget) the Lexus IS. And the VV Index rating of 5.56 is quite the massive jump in damage potential, too. We can only assume it's something to do with the copycat image. Come on now, Lexus - where's that self-healing paint option?
