Lexus LS430 – The Most Secure New Car On Sale In The UK
Lexus has been awarded the security accolade at the 2002 What Car? awards for the third year running. The LS430, winner for the second consecutive year, follows on from the award success in 2000 with the IS200. The LS430 and its smaller stablemate, the IS200 are the only cars ever to score the maximum 100 points in the annual What Car? security supertest.
Not only does the LS430 offer protection from thieves with its top-notch door locks, immobiliser and secure Hi-Fi, it also offers added security from car jackers by being fitted as standard with laminated side glass. These specialised double glazed windows are designed to cut down noise, but also provide additional protection should anyone try to smash a window.
A further security feature on the car is an intelligent keyless locking system. This incorporates the facility of unlocking only the driver’s door unless otherwise requested, which helps remove fears of an attack by an opportunist thief waiting nearby for doors to be unlocked.
“To achieve a maximum score, it has to go way beyond passing both the entry and drive away tests. This is no mean feat in itself,” commented Steve Fowler, editor of What Car?
Performance far exceeded Home Office guidelines in which a car’s locks must be able to withstand a two minute attack test and a five minute attack on the car’s immobiliser system.
The LS430 was also helped to top position with its visible VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), marked parts, etched glass, secure spare wheel, locking wheel nuts and barrelless boot lock (it can’t be drilled out).
The attention to detail from Lexus impressed the security team from What Car? to such a degree that they were in no doubt about voting Lexus as the clear winner, once again providing a benchmark for every other car manufacturer.
In addition to the award from What Car?, the LS430 is the only car on the market to achieve a five star rating in the NCSR (New Car Security Ratings) tests carried out last year. The Lexus scored a maximum five stars in the intensive ‘theft of’ vehicle tests and also in the ‘theft from’ tests.
ENDS
