Lexus LS430 most secure car

14 February 2002: Lexus has scored for the third year in a row the highest position in the 2002 What Car? awards for car security. The LS430, winner for the second consecutive year, follows on from the award success in 2000 with the IS200. The LS430 and the IS200 are the only cars ever to score the maximum 100 points in the annual test.

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.

Performance far exceeded the UK 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).

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.

February 2002