Proof Audi drivers might really be the WORST on the road

Audi drivers have built-up a generally poor reputation in recent years. Ask motorists what brand of car they’re usually tailgated by or see not indicating and often they will answer one with the four-ring logo.

And a new report provides evidence that some Audi drivers might be the worst on our roads.

Data collated on more than 150,000 motorists in the UK found that motorists behind the wheel of the German brand’s sporty S3 have the lowest driving score when rated by an app.

While S3 drivers scored the lowest ratings, analysis revealed that owners of the Fiat Doblo MPV are the safest of all. As we reveal the car models used by the best and worst motorists – is yours on either the naughty or nice list?

The data has been supplied by DriveScore; a free UK app that measures how well people drive in order to help them identify how they could be safer and more fuel efficient – and their score can even be used to help lower their insurance premiums.

Ratings are given out of a possible 1,000, which is based on motoring habits, including how often a motorists speeds, accelerates abruptly, brakes sharply or handles their phone while at the wheel.

Analysis of 150,000 motorists’ driving performance over the 12 months between November 2021 and November 2022 found that Fiat Doblo drivers hold an almost-perfect average driving score of 930.

Fiat’s Doblo – a small van turned MPV – had the best DriveScore rating of 930 out of 1,000 on average

Volvos have long been considered some of the safest cars on the road. This is reflected by their drivers, who took three spots among the ten safest of the road, the report shows

Also making the top 10 of the safest-driven car models in Britain is the long-defunct Suzuki Splash, which was discontinued in 2014

Fiat Doblo drivers took the crown among UK drivers after recording the most careful cornering, braking and acceleration, beating Volvo XC70 drivers by 30 points. 

Doblo owners – as well as drivers of the dinky Skoda Citigo – were found most likely to stick to speed limits, reporting the fewest speeding incidences of all models. 

Also making the top 10 of the safest-driven car models in Britain are the long-defunct Suzuki Splash (discontinued in 2014), Suzuki’s bigger Grand Vitara 4×4 and Volvo’s S90, with owners of the three vehicles given an average rating of 890.

The rest of the best-driven car models in the UK all received a DriveScore of 800/1,000: Volvo S80; Jaguar S-Type; Hyundai Santa Fe; Ford Tourneo Connect; Citroen Berlingo; and Volvo V90.

At the other end of the spectrum is the Audi S3,

This is the more powerful version of the German company’s popular A3 family hatchback and saloon, offering lots of practicality and an abundance of performance.

The data shows its drivers recorded the most instances of hasty acceleration and fast cornering, which combined to produce the lowest average score of 690.

That rating is one so low that DriveScore wouldn’t allow for individuals to share this information with insurers over concerns they would see a hike in premiums.

Audi’s S3 also sits in the top three car models for most events of speeding, alongside the Mitsubishi Lancer and Fiat Punto, although drivers of the latter two vehicles were redeemed with high scores on other behaviours, such as braking and cornering, and therefore didn’t appear in the list of the worst drivers. 

This is likely a sight many motorists have seen in their rear-view mirror – the famed four-ring logo of an Audi tailgating them on a motorway. The S3 (pictured) score 690/1,000 in the report

Like the Audi S3, the BMW M135i is a souped-up version of a popular family hatchback. DriveScore found that owners of this car are most likely to handle their phones at the wheel

BMW M135i drivers were second on the naughty list, with a rating over 710.

Drivers of the performance BMW were found to be the most likely to handle their phones behind the wheel. 

On average, M135i owners are distracted by their devices 50 per cent more than the average DriveScore user, and up to 12 times more than Citroen C5 drivers (who registered the best rating in this category).

Just behind the S3 and M135i in the list of lowest average DriveScores by car is the VW Scirocco coupe and Chevrolet Captiva crossover, both receiving a rating of 730.

The analysis shows that passengers travelling in a Captiva need to make sure they buckle up because drivers have the highest average number of events of harsh braking.

Another car to score a lowly rating for the safety of its drivers is Volkswagen’s Scirocco, earning a DriveScore of 730

Passengers travelling in a Chevrolet Captiva (pictured) need to make sure they buckle up because drivers have the highest average number of events of harsh braking

Other models making the list for having the least safe drivers include other variants of the BMW 1 Series, Seat’s Ibiza and two models from Mercedes – the A-Class and CLA SUV. 

The app uses GPS data combined with a smartphone’s sensors to monitor a driver’s speed in relation to the limit and type of road, how hard they accelerate and corner and how intensely they apply the brakes.

Once downloaded, the app automatically detects driving through the phone’s sensors and drivers can begin to build a score. 

It can also monitor if they’re distracted by their phone while driving.

All of this information is then pushed through an algorithm to provide an overall rating out of 1,000 for each user, with the score updating each time you drive.

The aim of the app is to help good drivers to secure cheaper insurance by sharing their impressive scores with providers, though it also highlights if motorists need to make improvements to how they behave when in control of a car.

The app uses GPS data and smartphone sensors to monitor if a driver is speeding, cornering too fast or using their device at the wheel. It then calculates a score out of 1,000 so drivers with a proven record of safety can supply the data to insurers to cut premiums

Only scores 750 and above can be shared with insurers, meaning low-scoring drivers are not forced to pay higher premiums. 

Commenting on the findings, DriveScore managing director, Ciaran Astin, said: ‘Insurers often charge higher insurance premiums for certain models of cars because of the high number of accidents and the cost of insurance claims caused by other drivers of those car models. 

‘However, at DriveScore, we believe insurance premiums will be fairer if they are based on the skill of the individual driver, rather than the car they happen to drive.

‘The DriveScore app is for everyone, not just statistically safe drivers – and no one can see your score unless you decide to share it. 

‘Knowledge is power and having access to your scores and detailed driving insights helps people see where they can improve and eventually unlock cheaper insurance premiums.

‘We’re all aware of stereotypes linking certain cars with driving performance, but it doesn’t have to be this way. DriveScore helps to cut through prejudices with personalised insights, so that everyone has a chance to pay fair prices for their policy.’

Recently, DriveScore reviewed data by nation, revealing that Scottish drivers are better behind the wheel than those in England and Wales. 

Scots rated at 809 points out of 1,000 in the performance review, bettering motorists in Wales (792) and clear on drivers in England, who scored 783 out of 1,000 on average.