These new cars have been rated poor for anti-theft security

Several new cars, including one of Britain’s best-sellers have been given a “poor” security rating by leading testing body Thatcham Research.

Models from Vauxhall, Subaru, Mazda and MG were all criticised for failing to defend against relay attacks while others’ ratings were downgraded because of a lack of common security features.

Thatcham Research, which works with the insurance industry on testing theft prevention, said that its first Consumer Security Ratings of 2020 showed an improvement across the industry but some models were still potentially leaving owners at risk.

The Vauxhall Corsa, Mazda CX-30, MG HS and Subaru Forester e-Boxer were all found to be vulnerable to relay attacks, where thieves can open and start with a “keyless” system by intercepting the signal between fob and car.

Many manufacturers have been working to tackle this with technology such as motion-sensitive fobs which can deactivate themselves but car thefts are still increasing, with the technology believed to be partly to blame.

While four models were rated poor due to relay attack vulnerability, others were given “basic” ratings due to the lack of common security features.

Thatcham tests cars for resistance to digital theft, such as relay attacks, and to confirm that features, including immobiliser, alarm, double locking systems and wheel security, meet minimum insurer requirements.