Four new cars have been rated \u201cpoor\u201d in security tests due to their vulnerability to keyless thefts.<\/p>\n
Thatcham Research, the independent automotive research centre, tested seven new cars to help drivers understand the theft risk of a car.<\/p>\n
The DS3 Crossback, Mazda 3, Toyota RAV-4 and Volvo S60 were found to have keyless entry\/start systems susceptible to the Relay Attack and rated \u201cpoor\u201d \u2013 whether optional or standard.<\/p>\n
BMW 7 Series, BMW X7 and Porsche 911 were awarded \u201csuperior\u201d ratings with keyless entry\/start.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheft claims paid by insurers in the first quarter of this year were at their highest for any quarter since 2012, with a payment made to a car crime victim every eight minutes,\u201d said Richard Billyeald, Chief Technical Officer, Thatcham Research.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese figures demonstrate why the automotive industry must move to secure keyless entry\/start systems, many of which offer criminals the chance to quickly and silently circumvent otherwise robust physical security.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Billyeald added that without the keyless entry\/start vulnerability, all the cars assessed would have earned a \u201cgood\u201d rating or better.<\/p>\n