Volkswagen products have claimed a host of trophies at this year's British Insurance Car Security Awards which are presented today at the Motor Industry Repair Research Centre in Thatcham, Berkshire.

The Touareg (pictured above) was overall winner of the 4x4 category - while the Caravelle SE came second in the Large MPV class; the Phaeton 3.2-litre V6 and 6.0-litre W12 were second in the Luxury/Executive segment; the Golf GT and SE came second in the Small Family category; and the Touran was third in the Compact MPV class. Volkswagen came third overall in the Manufacturer league.

Vehicles were rated according to the New Vehicle Security Rating (NVSR) criteria. Those that had a maximum five stars for 'theft of' and four stars for 'theft from', had double locking and an 'E' insurance suffix (indicating they had a feature that exceeds the required standard) were shortlisted for final evaluation and ranking.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Thatcham attended by representatives from the Home Office, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), insurers, and figures from the motor industry. Home Office Minister, Hazel Blears MP, is a special guest who will be presenting the awards.

Other winners were:

  • City / Supermini: Citroen C3 Exclusive
  • Small Family Car: Audi A3 1.6, 1.6 SE, 1.6 Sport, 2.0 FSi/TDi, 2.0 FSi/TDi SE and 2.0 FSi/TDi Sport
  • Family Car: Toyota Avensis Saloon
  • Compact Executive Car: Lexus IS 200 Saloon
  • Compact MPV: Ford Focus C-MAX Ghia (except 2.0i)
  • Large MPV: Renault Espace (except Authentique)
  • Convertible / Roadster: Saab 9-3 Convertible
  • Performance Car: Nissan 350Z Coupe
  • Audi A8 3.7 & 4.2 V8 Quattro
  • Manufacturer: Volvo Car UK Ltd