Keyless cars can be stolen in 10 seconds

Some of the UK’s newest and most popular cars are at risk of being stolen in seconds by exploiting weaknesses in keyless entry systems, according to exclusive What Car? research.

Keyless entry systems allow motorists to open and start their vehicles without taking their key out of their pocket, but these cars are being targeted by thieves.

However, criminals using specialist tools can capture a key’s signal and relay it to another device next to the car, allowing them to enter and start the vehicle.

What Car? testers found the new DS3 Crossback Ultra Prestige, for instance,  could be unlocked and started in 10 seconds by thieves using specialist technology.

The Audi TT RS could also be stolen in 10 seconds – although only when its optional keyless entry system was active and its motion sensor technology had not disabled the key fob.

Some new models on sale today feature technology that helps prevents keyless theft. Manufacturers, including Audi, BMW, Ford and Mercedes-Benz, have introduced motion detection technology inside their car keys – if the key is left untouched, it stops emitting a signal. However, if the key is in a pocket or handbag, and the owner is walking around, the car can still be vulnerable.

Jaguar Land Rover has taken a different approach, introducing ultra-wide-band radio technology on some of its latest models, which transmits a wide range of signals from the key, meaning thieves can’t lock onto the signal and fool the vehicle.

What Car?’s security experts couldn’t steal any vehicle with their key fobs deactivated. However, this technology is not yet widely available.

In all, What Car? tested seven different models, all fitted with keyless entry and start technology. Here are the results…

Audi TT RS Roadster	Get into car	Drive Away
Advanced Key inactive	Not possible	Not possible
Advanced Key active	5 seconds	5 seconds

BMW X3 (2018)	Get into car	Drive Away
Digital Smart Key inactive	Not possible	Not possible
Digital Smart Key active	40 seconds	20 seconds

DS3 Crossback Ultra Prestige	Get into car	Drive Away
Standard Key	5 seconds	5 seconds

Ford Fiesta	Get into car	Drive Away
Sleeping key fob inactive	Not possible	Not possible
Sleeping key fob active	40 seconds	20 seconds

Land Rover Discovery	Get into car	Drive Away
Standard key	20 seconds	Not possible

Land Rover Discovery Sport (2018)	Get into car	Drive Away
Standard key	10 seconds	20 seconds

Mercedes-Benz A-Class	Get into car	Drive Away
Keyless-Go key fob inactive	Not possible	Not possible
Keyless-Go key fob active	30 seconds	20 seconds