IF ANY THREE letters can induce a headache for car owners, it’s N, C and T.
While many opt to send their car through the test to see just what’s wrong with it before a retest, we’ve looked at the data to see which cars are the most successful at passing first time out.
These models might be worth considering if you’re looking to pick up a used car that could take some of the pain out of passing that NCT.
Nissan Juke: The compact crossover came out on top in first-time pass ratings. Since it went on sale, it has been a reasonably strong seller for Nissan, despite its polarising style. If you do more motorway driving it is worth considering the larger, more powerful engines.
Skoda Yeti: The Yeti is a car with a loyal following, but it wasn’t always such a popular car in the mainstream. The more conventional Skoda Karoq has since replaced it. You could get the Yeti with all-wheel drive, but unless you plan on doing some soft-roading or live in more rural areas the front-wheel drive model remains very capable, especially with mud or winter tyres fitted.
Hyundai ix35: There is a great choice of used ix35 models for sale, and while it might not be as good looking a car in comparison to the Tucson that replaced it, the Hyundai remains a good car to drive and can be economical to run.
Volkswagen Tiguan: This first-generation Tiguan isn’t an impressive as its successor, but for a small SUV it still has a practical side. It also scored top marks in the Euro NCAP crash test at the time.
Peugeot 508: We still rate the Peugeot 508 as one of the more underrated saloons on the market. Newer models often feature better levels of standard equipment than rivals, which is worth considering. The 1.6-litre diesel can be quite fuel efficient also.
Hyundai i20: If you’re looking for an affordable hatchback that has reasonable amounts of room and shouldn’t cost a great deal of money to run, then the Hyundai i20 should be on your shopping list.
It might not have the style or kerb appeal of other mainstream models, but if you want mostly hassle-free motoring look this way.
Hyundai i40: Another excellent example of Hyundai putting out a sensible and mostly trouble-free model. While the i40 isn’t the most exciting car to drive, its engines are capable of good fuel economy and have low CO2 emissions.
Opel Insignia: Few models scream company car quite as loudly as the Opel Insignia. Its styling is ageing well and the combination of a large fuel tank, economical diesel engine, and in some cases small alloy wheels, make this one comfortable super cruiser.
Large boot and handling don’t hurt it, and nor does the amount of choice in the used market.
Mazda2: The last Mazda2 doesn’t have the same high-quality interior as the current version, but it isn’t all bad as space and boot capacity are good. The petrol engine is more fun to drive than the diesel, so it’s worth considering your annual mileage when shopping around.
Toyota Avensis: Popular with taxi drivers and travelling salespeople alike, the Avensis name is now fading away from popularity. Its vanilla styling matched with a dull driving experience make it not all that appealing, but it is one of those cars that – if you find the right one and look after it – should keep on going.
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