Ford Kuga registrations have topped 8,500 so far this year, with 2,800 of these corporate sales.

A reluctance from fleets to commit to Ford’s SUV may be explained by our four-wheel drive version having CO2 emissions of 169g/km – above the 160g/km threshold.

However, a two-wheel drive 2.0 TDCi version boasting CO2 emissions of 159g/km means good news for tax rates and should grow the Kuga’s appeal with fleet drivers.

Kevin Griffin, Ford’s director – fleet operations, puts the Kuga’s overall market success as the UK’s best-selling compact 4x4 down to it being such a “stylish and capable vehicle”.

He added: “Fleet sales continue to grow thanks to its looks, performance, economy and versatility.”

For perk users with a family, it’s an ideal choice as its roomy cabin means passengers can stretch out and relax.

Safety is a key consideration for these drivers, and this is another area where the Kuga impresses.
It boasts the maximum EuroNCAP five stars for adult occupant protection, as well as four stars for child occupant protection and three stars for pedestrian protection.

Active safety equipment, which assists the driver in maintaining control and avoiding potential collisions, is fitted as standard to all Kugas.

The list of standard active safety equipment includes anti-lock braking, electronic stability programme with anti-rollover mitigation, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution and emergency brake assist.

Perhaps reason enough for fleets to look again at what the SUV market has to offer.