Amid all the doom and gloom in May’s sales figures, which saw overall fleet registrations fall by 33.2% compared to the same month last year, the Nissan Qashqai provided one of the few bright spots.

It sold 1,897 to fleets, making it the eighth highest seller – helping Nissan to a month-on-month rise of 0.4%.

This performance also made Qashqai the 10th most popular fleet model so far this year, with 7,640 units sold.

These figures make it clear that the Qashqai is already a firm favourite among fleets and, with the introduction of the N-tec trim level, its appeal should grow even further.

The new trim, which slots in between the range-topping Tekna and Acenta, is fitted, as standard, with the new Nissan Connect system – also available on Qashqai+2, Note and Micra – which features a CD player, aux-in socket, USB port for full iPod connection, Bluetooth connectivity and a five-inch touch-screen satellite navigation system with a full postcode search facility.

A colour reversing camera is also incorporated.

N-tec also includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, rear privacy glass, satin silver roof rails and satin silver door handles.

While the larger wheels – other Qashqai models have either 16 or 17-inch alloys – will cost a fleet operator more in terms of tyre costs compared to its 1.5 dCi siblings, Qashqai offers unchanged fuel economy of 54.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km, which puts it in the 18% benefit-in-kind tax band.

The N-tec retains the traditional strengths of the Qashqai, which means a commanding driving position compared to its small family car rivals, a good driving experience, and an exceptionally well-built interior.

Cabin space is excellent, with plenty of room for five people.

Its boot capacity is 410 litres – rising to 1,513 with the rear seats folded down.

Verdict

It’s easy to see why the Qashqai has been such a big hit with fleets and the N-tec trim level should only see it gain more fans.