Audi takes the security crown

Audi is the most secure manufacturer in the UK, according to this year’s British Insurance Car Security Awards.

Mazda came in second place with Volvo coming in at third.

Home office minister Vernon Coaker said: “Vehicle security is an important issue for all of us when deciding our choice of car and I praise those manufacturers that have made significant improvements to security which has helped see a massive reduction in vehicle crime.”

The BISCA awards take into account the security of the vehicle, the steering column lock, the alarm, immobiliser and security marking of vehicle parts.

A convicted car thief called “Paul” was on hand at the awards ceremony today to explain how he was forced to go straight after 15 years of stealing cars in South London and Kent.

“It just became too hard,” he said.

“Ten or 15 years ago I could break in to a car, attack the electrics to start the engine and then drive off in under a minute. Now it’s just too difficult to bother.”

Here are the results for the 2006 British Insurance Car Security Awards.

City Car/Supermini
1. Citroen C3
2.Volkswagen Polo SE
3. Skoda Fabia Elegance

Small family car
1. Citroen C4 Exclusive
2. Ford Focus Ghia and Titanium
3. Audi A3

Family Car
1. Peugeot 407 Executive
2. Citroen C5 Exclusive
3. Volkswagen Jetta

Compact executive car
1. Lexus IS
2. 2. Jaguar X-type
3. BMW 3-series

Compact MPV
1. Mazda 5
2. Ford Focus C-MAX Ghia

Large MPV
1. Renault Espace

Convertible/roadster (including cabriolet)
1. Volvo C70
2. Mazda MX-5
3. Saab 9-3 Convertible

Performance car (including hot hatch and coupe)
1. Peugeot 407 Coupe
2. Citroen C4 VTS
3. Porsche 911 Carrera

Compact 4x4
1. Nissan X-trail
2. Subaru Forester
3. Toyota RAV4

Large 4x4
1. Volkswagen Touareg
2. Toyota Landcruiser

Executive car
1. Audi A6 saloon
2. Lexus GS