Toyota models have top pass rates in NCT tests

Road Safety Authority (RSA) figures reveal that Toyota vehicles had the highest pass rates overall for first-time NCT tests in 2013. In terms of cars registered in 2007, the Toyota Auris, Yaris and Corolla all had pass rates of 80% or higher, while the average 2007 pass rate was 69%.

The 2005 average pass rate was 55% and was beaten by a considerable margin by the rate for the Toyota Corolla (70.4%), Yaris (70.3%) and RAV4 (69.6%).

For the pass and failure rate statistics to be considered representative, a minimum of 1,000 of each model from each year had to be tested. Vehicles registered in 2005 and 2007 had the highest number of representative samples.

Of the vehicles registered in 2007, the Toyota Auris, Corolla and Yaris scored highest with pass rates of 82%, 81.1% and 81% respectively. Of the vehicles registered in 2005, the Corolla (70.4%), Yaris (70.3%) and RAV4 (69.6%) had pass rates well above the average. In 2013, 1.17m vehicles were tested at NCT centres across Ireland.

Skoda to offer new fuel-efficient engines

Skoda will introduce a new engine lineup just in time for the new 152 registration period. Skoda claims the new range of EU6-compliant petrol and diesel engines will see fuel economy improve by up to 23% and CO2 emissions fall by up to 18%. All Rapid, Octavia and Yeti models will receive new technologies such as new variable valve timing systems and the latest stop/start technology.

The Skoda Rapid 1.6 TDI 90bhp is replaced by a newer, 1.4-litre unit with the same 90bhp output, with claims of 23% improved fuel economy of up to 3.4litre/100km (29km/litre or 83mpg) on the combined cycle.

There is a new 1.6-litre 110bhp TDI diesel engine for the Skoda Octavia which replaces the former 105bhp version. The entry-level 90bhp Octavia 1.6 TDI now comes with stop/start technology which claims to reduce fuel consumption by 10% and delivers up to 3.7litre/100km (27km/litre or 76mpg) on the combined cycle.

The Skoda Yeti 2.0-litre TDI 110bhp and 150bhp are the first models in the Skoda range to benefit from AdBlue technology. In the new Yeti, Skoda claims that the AdBlue reduces NOx nitrogen oxide emissions to close to zero. These new engines have reduced both CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

Skoda is offering a number of limited edition upgrade packages for the Octavia in time for July’s 152 registration. In the Octavia, Ambition models receive cruise control, parking sensors and a colour touchscreen sound system as part of the new offer.

Style models receive free reversing camera, exterior chrome package, electric folding mirrors and LED rear lights. And 0% APR PCP finance offers are available on selected Rapid, Octavia, Yeti and Superb models ordered before 1 July 2015.

Toyota launches car comparison site

Toyota Ireland has launched Upgrade.ie, a new comparison website where you can calculate the savings motorists might be able to make by upgrading to a new Toyota from their current vehicle.

The new site calculates the total cost of ownership of a particular model by assessing the key variables which affect annual running costs, including depreciation, road tax, NCT costs, servicing costs, fuel consumption and insurance ratings.

The site calculates the annual running costs of a vehicle, as well as calculating how much the owner could save by switching to a comparable new Toyota model and comparing the cost of running the Toyota model versus similar competitor models.