What’s new: Nissan‘s luxury brand, Infiniti, is slowly introducing more fleet-friendly models.?This, the 3.0-litre diesel M saloon, is designed to take on the BMW 530d, and is soon to be joined by the M35 hybrid.
Excellent: The exclusivity of the Infiniti brand will be its biggest trump card for the foreseeable future. The classy, understated looks will provide an interesting alternative to higher-spec German saloons.
Good: Specification is higher than rivals, with satnav, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and a number of other features all standard. The diesel engine impresses, although it’s up against the best in the business from the likes of BMW and Audi.
Average: An unproven brand means work to do on the residual values. KwikCarcost puts the M30d at 30.7% retained against a 530d’s 35.2%.
Poor: As a company proposition, a high CO2 figure of 199g/km compares badly with the BMW’s 145g/km, and a P11D £1500 higher doesn’t help, even though the kit levels are good for the money.
Verdict: Likeable and classy saloon that’s still a way off serious competitiveness in terms of running costs.
