The most secure and theft-resistant model range in the UK is built by Audi, according to the findings of Government-backed experts at the Thatcham Research Centre, who voted the brand Best Manufacturer in the 2006 British Insurance Car Security Awards.

The most secure and theft-resistant model range in the UK is built by Audi, according to the findings of Government-backed experts at the Thatcham Research Centre, who voted the brand Best Manufacturer in the 2006 British Insurance Car Security Awards.

Owners of the latest addition to the Audi line-up - the new TT Coupé - will not only be driving a car developed with the benefit of award-winning security expertise, but also award-winning engineering know-how, as the new Audi sports car's 2.0-litre Turbo FSI engine has just received a prestigious International Engine of the Year honour.

The Best Manufacturer Award in the Thatcham Security Awards is given to the car maker delivering the highest level of security throughout its complete model range. In addition to this top award, Audi also won through in the executive car category with the A6 saloon.

The award categories, selection criteria and methodology are backed by the British motor insurers, the Home Office, the Department for Transport and other security-related bodies. These organisations rely on the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre at Thatcham to assess car theft protection standards and to grade them using star ratings known as New Vehicle Security Ratings (NVSR). Cars are rated for 'theft of' and 'theft from' security.

Commenting on the prestigious awards, brand director Jeremy Hicks said: “I am delighted that Audi has taken the top honour for its work in countering one of the most unpleasant hazards we all face as motorists. Audi has gone to great lengths to minimise the risk of car theft in all its forms, and this much prized endorsement of our high security standards will be enormously reassuring for existing Audi owners and prospective customers alike.”

And a panel of 61 motoring journalists from 29 countries has honoured the Audi 2.0-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine with an International Engine of The Year Award for the second successive year.

The first series production engine to combine direct petrol injection and its positive impact on fuel efficiency with the performance-maximising benefits of turbo charging was praised in the judges' summation for its good economy, great sound and responsiveness. It was described as “a fantastic all-round engine, delivering an excellent blend of performance, refinement and efficiency that is suitable for luxury sedans, sport coupes and everything else on four wheels”.

The latest application for this advanced engine is the new TT Coupé, to which it brings 200PS and 280Nm of torque, giving the S tronic twin-clutch transmission-equipped model a 0-62mph sprint time of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 149mph, combined with 36.6mpg potential.