Toyota and Honda MOT Triumph (Acclaim)

If you would like some unbiased, data based, car buying advice, here you go: turn Japanese. I really think so.

That wasn’t difficult was it? You can go away now, but I think it worth some of your time taking a look at just which models come out of the MOT station smelling of fresh roses. We have teamed up again with Data News Limited who conducted a freedom of information request concerning first tests. Here we have vehicles that were registered in 2022 and had their first MoT test in 2025. These figures obviously cannot take account of how well their owners looked after their vehicles in the three years coming up to the test or how many miles they had been driven. The stats exclude 4x4s and vehicles frequently used as delivery vans. The models featured are only those where more than 2,000 were tested, so it is an impressively comprehensive set of figures and the breakdown is here for you to see.

This month we are going to be all very positive and focus on the top ten. These will be the cars you should go out and buy for yourself, or recommend to a friend. They are the brand new or nearly new ones which should see you through to the first MOT without any drama. Next month there will be plenty that you should avoid and it is worth having a guess at what they might be. You will be very surprised.

Let’s get stuck into the top Ten MOT heroes and use Ruppert’s Bangerpedia 2010 to 2020 and the yet unwritten final 2020 to 2030 instalment, as our guide.

Toyota Prius Tests 7,908 Fails 173 %Fails 2.19

The ultimate urban Minicab got longer and wider with the economy and pollution figures starting at 70g/km CO2 , 94.1mpg and from 2017 there was a PHEV plug in one which delivers even less CO2 and more MPG. Weirdly Origami body, batteries now under the back seats. Good specs all round it is the thoroughly modern new buy, but risky long term used one if it has worked hard for a living. Does well at the MOT though.

Toyota Yaris Cross Excel HEV Auto Tests 4,416 Fails 118 %Fails 2.67

Default off road shopping car that won’t let anyone down. Who cares if it is outclassed by rivals, when in the most important areas it just keeps going.

Honda HR-V Advance i-MMD CVT Tests 3,461 Fails 93 % Fails 2.69

Return of the old nameplate but not the funky style, just a Jazz reimagined as an SUV, but it’s front wheel drive. Standard kit is cruise, climate, Mip-up back seats (The Jazz related ‘Magic Seats’, allows the rear seat bases to be folded up against the seat backs), a multifunction steering wheel, alloy wheels. Mexican built, has some build quality issues. Engines: 1.5•1.6D CO2: 132-163g/km MPG: 39.2-56.5 Boot: 448/1026 Towing: 1400 Seats: 5

Lexus UX Tests 2,752 Fails 74 %Fails 2.69

Replacement for the CT as everything must have an X in its Toyota name badge now. 2.0-litre petrol engine ‘self-charging’ hybrid either front or all-wheel drive, in three trim levels: UX, F Sport and Takumi. Likeable thing although it has run flats which always cost a bomb to replace. Good basic spec and most ordered new have everything. Will break down expensively eventually. Engines: 2.0H CO2: 120-137g/km MPG:56.4 Gearbox: Auto-CVT Boot: 364/1231 Towing: 750

Honda Jazz Crosstar EX i-MMD CVT Tests 2486 Fails 69 % Fails 2.78

It’s got roof bars but this is little more than a podgy hatchback. Minor electrical and sensor failures might slow it down a bit.

Lexus RX Tests 2,178 Fails 73 %Fails 3.35

Premium SUV without diesel, usual choice 200t and 4WD 450h. 2018 first seven-seater the RXL was 11cm longer, 3rd row seats for children. 2020 revamp meant restyle, upgraded infotainment, tweaked suspension and driver-assistance tech. Hybrid needs more looking after and nothing skipped. Upmarket Sport Vehicle Bangernomics. Engines: 2.0•3.5H CO2: 127-181g/km MPG:36.2-47.9 Gearbox: CVT-Auto Boot: 539/1579 Towing: 2000

Toyota Aygo X Edge VVT-i Tests 3,526 Fails 121 %Fails 3.43

Still French related but despite that it is reliable. Beginning of the X theme, baffling number of models, basic X comes with electric front windows, remote locking and single folding rear seat. Updated in 2018 with extra sound insulation. Dead quiet in the MOT bay. Engines: 1.0 CO2: 95-118g/km MPG: 57.3- 68.9 0-60:15.5 Gearbox: 5spd Man/X-Shift Auto Boot: 168/754

Toyota Yaris Cross Design HEV Auto Tests 3,899 Fails 137 %Fails 3.51

Default shopping car that won’t let anyone down. Who cares if it is outclassed by rivals, when in the most important areas it just keeps going. Decent boot, but the 60-40 split folding rear seats to extend the load area does not result in a flat floor. No probs, maybe some late life Fluid leaks.

Honda Jazz EX i-MMD CVT Tests 5,124 Fails 187 %Fails 3.65

Impossibly the new one has more interior space, a larger boot and innovations. Even so, the magical seats that fold forward in one movement to create flat floor and fold up to lock in place for awkward loads. More refined than previously and better quality. Oh and the interior can be turned into a giant bed. Minor electrical and sensor failures have been mentioned. Engines: 1.3•1.5 CO2: 102-135g/km MPG: 42.8-48.7 Gearbox: Man/Auto Boot: 354/1314 Turning:10.1-10.7

Toyota RAV4 Tests 6,519 Fails 249 %Fails 3.82

Family friendly as it should be with lots of room for people with space in the back for three. Rear seat backs fold in one movement. Decent spec includes electric windows, alloys, Bluetooth and air con.

The owner demographic for these cars is older, responsible and quite honestly far more likely to check the tyres and lights before popping off to the MOT station. Some of these are also working cars, bought to do a job (get cat food), not show off, especially the Prius. The simple truth is dear reader that no one ever made a mistake buying a brand new Toyota or Honda.

*An anorak might wish to point out that our brilliant cover features a Daihatsu Fellow, not a Toyota or Honda. Except that lovers of automotive history like us will know that in 1967 Toyota and Daihatsu signed a business partnership agreement. Then in 1998 Toyota bought a 51% controlling stake, before taking the remaining shares in 2016. This makes Daihatsu the Kei-car division with expertise in low cost production and lean manufacturing. Mind you, that Fellow could well date from 1966, but you get the point. Shame Toyota don’t import them anymore, but that’s a story for another day.

For the moment though, turn Japanese, The Vapors certainly did, which is one for the teenagers.

See you next time when the worst MOT fails will be revealed.

Meanwhile over at The Carzine is a brand new classic car magazine which is printed and free https://www.thecarzine.com/

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