Volkswagen wins What Car? security test

Volkswagen has come out on top in the annual What Car? Security Test, which is run in conjunction with Thatcham Vehicle Security.

In the overall manufacturer ranking, Audi came in second place and Volvo was third.

The VW Sharan was top large MPV, while the Tiguan was the best crossover and the Phaeton the most secure luxury car.

The Manufacturers award is dictated by how many qualifying cars each manufacturer has in the security league. With the Caddy Maxi, Caravelle, Eos, Jetta, Passat, Passat CC, Phaeton, Sharan, Tiguan, Touareg and Touran, Volkswagen tops the list with 11 models.

Audis topped the supermini, compact executive, performance car and compact 4x4 categories.

What Car? editor John McIlroy said: 'It makes sense for buyers to consider security when buying their next new car. If a thief has the choice of a car that they know is easy to break into or a top-rated Volkswagen product, their choice is going to be easy.

'Our tests have also shown that as manufacturers constantly improve the security of their cars, the motorist has become the weak link. Owners need to keep their car keys out of sight of would-be car thieves at all times. Its only common sense.'

Thatcham is the leading independent assessor of security equipment and is recognised by the Association of British Insurers.

1st Overall Volkswagen
2nd Overall Audi
3rd Overall Volvo

Category
Supermini Audi A1
Small family car Volvo C30
Family car Citroen C5 Exclusive
Compact executive Audi A4
Compact MPV Citroen C4 Picasso Exclusive
Large MPV Volkswagen Sharan
Open-top car Audi A5 Cabriolet
Performance car Audi A8 W12 Quattro
Crossover Volkswagen Tiguan
Compact 4x4 Audi Q5
Large 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser V8
Executive car Citroen C6
Luxury car Volkswagen Phaeton
Green car Toyota Prius T3 and T Spirit with solar panel