New Lexus IS200 Is The Most Secure Car In The UK

Not only is the new Lexus IS200 a car to be bought by the heart, it’s also one to be bought by the head according to influential consumer car magazine What Car?

The magazine has just voted the Lexus IS200 as the most secure car on sale in the UK and the first one it has ever tested in five years of trying which has gained a perfect 100 out of 100 points score.

The annual What Car? security test feature is conducted in accordance with Home Office car security guidelines. The IS200 resisted entry by professional ‘locksmiths’ for over two minutes and could not be driven away for over five minutes as the guidelines require.

The car was also awarded full marks for its additional security features which are fitted to all three Lexus IS200 models as standard. As well as a perimetric and volumetric alarm system with separate battery back-up, the IS200 packs a secure double door locking mechanism which prevents the doors being opened if a window is smashed. Similarly, the boot can be secured to prevent entry to it from inside the car if a window is smashed. A visible Vehicle Identification Number (VIN plate) and a selection of marked parts within the vehicle also enable police forces to trace the car in the unlikely event it is removed by thieves. Locking wheel nuts, a secure spare wheel, etched windows and separate amplifier for the uniquely shaped stereo system (rendering the head unit useless to potential thieves) complete the IS200’s armoury.

Commenting on these results, What Car?’s editor Julian Rendell said: “Lexus is to be congratulated for taking car security so seriously and designing a compact executive car with the best passive and active car security features in this year’s test.”

“What Car? security test is a tough challenge for any car,” responded Paul Philpott, General Manager, Vehicle Marketing, Lexus (GB) Ltd. “The IS200’s perfect score is just reward for the intensive work conducted between Lexus (GB) Ltd and its UK commercial partner, Secured By Design Ltd, and IS200 Chief Engineer Katayama and his team in Lexus Japan. The result is even more impressive when you consider that car theft is not a significant problem in Japan and Lexus could have made considerable cost savings by not ‘designing-in’ these security features. This What Car? report is justification that it chose to.”

ENDS