Audi again named 'best manufacturer' of secure cars

The German carmaker came top overall at the British Insurance Car Security Awards after three of its models were ranked highest according to Thatcham's 'New Vehicle Security Ratings' (NVSR) scheme - which tests cars for how well they stand up to being stolen and having their contents taken.

The awards were presented at the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in Thatcham this week. Audi's new A4 range was deemed "most secure" in the compact executive class, its S8 model best in the performance car class and the TT Roadster best in the convertible/roadster class.

Director of Audi UK Jeremy Hicks said he was delighted that their "huge investment" in protective measures had "proved its worth".

"To be acknowledged as number one for car security for a third consecutive year is an achievement which Audi AG's security team can take considerable pride in," he said.

The Audi range features Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser technology with interior ultrasonic protection, Thatcham Category 4 locking wheel bolts, anti-tow tilt sensors, visible Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) and extensive marked parts.

BMW's Mini won most secure 'city car', while the Citroen C5 Exclusive was deemed the best family car. Other winners included the Ford S-MAX (large MPV), the Volkswagen Tiguan (compact 4x4) and Citroen C6 (executive car).

Motorcycle ratings

Thatcham also announced this week that following the success of its car and goods vehicle security schemes, it was launching another initiative, together with the Home Office, to tackle motorcycle theft.

It said new figures showed that more than 48,000 motor bikes were stolen each year - four times the number of cars stolen, and that fewer than 50% were ever recovered. As many as 10% of some models were stolen each year, it claimed.

Security levels on all motorcycles up to three years old will be assessed and their subsequent rating will reflect the likelihood of it being stolen.

Mike Briggs, Thatcham's vehicle security manager said: "Thatcham's star rating scheme for passenger cars, heavy goods vehicles and light commercial vehicles has proved a great success in providing a consumer facing assessment of a vehicle's security.

"Given the current fairly low attention paid to motorcycle security, I know the new motorcycle star rating scheme will be welcomed and will drive improvements in motorcycle security."

The full results of the 2008 British Insurance Car Security Awards can be found on Thatcham's website here.