Volvo beats the thieves - Introduction

Volvo has again scooped top honours in the second annual British Insurance Car Security Awards, while Citroen has been commended for its efforts.

Run by the respected Thatcham Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, the awards are based on the organisation’s extensive security assessments of cars, covering models from city runabouts to luxury saloons.

In all, 82 model ranges were considered by Thatcham for the awards, but Volvo once again rose above other car makers to take top manufacturer plaudits ahead of Audi and Mazda.

Hugh Reid, managing director of Volvo Car UK, said: ‘Security is another important example of Volvo’s commitment to the highest standards of safety, quality and design.’

Citroen also had a strong showing, winning three out of the 10 categories (superminis, family cars and performance cars) and coming second in the family car sector.

Managing director Alain Favey said: ‘We are very proud that Citroen has been recognised in these high-profile awards. One of our key aims is to provide our customers with the highest levels of security and the lowest possible insurance rates.’

Home Office minister Hazel Blears said: ‘I would urge motorists to take these awards into account when deciding which new car to buy.

‘By choosing cars that have qualified for an award, motorists will encourage other manufacturers to make further improvements in security.’

The Thatcham tests, on which the awards are based, form the New Vehicle Security Ratings, which are available in the data section of What Car? every month, as well as online at Whatcar.com.

See page 2 of this feature for the full run-down of results and page 3 for some security advice.

Click here to see the most up to date table of results from What Car?’s own Security Supertests.