Figures released under a Freedom of Information request by the Sun newspaper show Toyota to be most reliable brand for passing the NCT.

The figures show that 2007 registered Toyota Auris, Yaris and Corolla scored over 80% pass rates and higher while average 2007 pass rate was 69%. The average pass rate for 2005 was 55% and was beaten by a considerable margin by three Toyota models; Corolla (70.4%), Yaris (70.3%), RAV4 (69.6%)

Toyota Ireland welcomed the figures disclosed by the Road Safety Authority which reveal that Toyota vehicles also had the highest pass rates overall for first time NCT tests in 2013.

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. The 2005 and 2007 registered vehicles had the highest numbers of representative samples.

Of the vehicles registered in 2007, Toyota models Auris, Corolla and Yaris scored highest with pass rates of 82%, 81.1% and 81% respectively, versus an average pass rate of 69%. Similarly, in 2005 the average pass rate was 55%, a percentage beaten by a considerable margin by Corolla (70.4%), Yaris (70.3%) and RAV4 (69.6%).

1.17 million vehicles were tested at NCT centres across Ireland in 2013.

Steve Tormey, Chief Executive, Toyota Ireland said: "We welcome the findings of the Road Safety Authority which clearly demonstrate the quality, reliability and long term value retention that Toyota vehicles are renowned for as 'The Best Built Cars in The World'. With the highest NCT pass rates, choosing a Toyota represents the best choice for people looking for to reduce their motoring cost."