NISSAN is planning to boost its position in the fleet market by launching a saloon version of the new Almera range. The four-door car will arrive in the showrooms next summer to allow the company's compact family car line-up to compete more effectively with the Ford Focus.

Powered by a choice of 1.8-litre petrol and 2.2-litre turbodiesel engines, the model is expected to be offered in SE and SE Plus trim levels.

The new Almera three and five-door hatchback range went on sale in the UK earlier this year with a choice of 1.5 and 1.8 petrol engines and a 2.2 turbodiesel powerplant. Trim levels available in the hatchback range are E, S, SE, Sport, Sport+ and SE+.