Nine years ago, the idea of a Maserati as a fleet car seemed alien, but that's what happened with the introduction of the diesel version of the Ghibli in 2014, that achieved favourable BIK rates when compared to premium opposition from BMW and Mercedes. 

Despite updates and with the ditching of the diesel engine, the Ghibli became less competitive in terms of BIK and at the same time the perception of the Ghibli suffered, too. Although as we've previously reported, Maserati has done much to improve residuals and the revitalised brand, now under Stellantis ownership, has fleet aspirations again, with new models such as the incoming all-electric Grecale Folgore. So, Business Car took the opportunity to have another look at the Ghibli saloon.

Outside, the design might be ten years old, but in Trofeo form, this Maserati has real attitude. You can't miss the family grille at the front, plus the carbon elements to the body kit. Then at the side you've got unique 21in forged alloy wheels with exclusive Brembo brakes behind. While at the back, the quad exhaust pipes mean business. 

Inside, our test car was fitted with rich, luxurious red leather trim - which extends to the dashboard and door cards. This coordinated well with the Trofeo's tasteful, polished carbon fibre trim that's spread around the cabin. The centre console is dominated by the 10.1in touchscreen infotainment system that looks and is borrowed from previous Fiat Group models. In our opinion, the size is one of the few things this infotainment has going for it, as we found it difficult to operate at a glance and move between functions. 

In the front, the sports seats are comfortable and supportive - while there's enough space for taller drivers. Sadly, this comes at the expense of rear space, as it is tight for older children or adults. The 500-litre boot is practically shaped, but rivals are bigger. 

We should have tried a petrol hybrid version of the Ghibli, as that would have probably been more representative of what company car drivers choose, but the range topping Trofeo was the only model available. In a time where we're being pushed towards hybrid and electric power, the Trofeo with its 580hp, 3.8-litre V8, almost seems like a model from the quickly shrinking past.

It is a lovely dinosaur, because as a car fan, there is still something very special about the sound and feel of a V8 engine and I'm sure we will miss them when they're gone. Built by Ferrari, this Ghibli's engine is related to those fitted in the Portofino and SF90 and boasts 729.4Nm of torque from just 2,250rpm, 0-62 acceleration in just 4.3 seconds and an unbelievable double tonne top speed at 203mph. On the flip side, 285g/km CO2 emissions, a 22.4mpg fuel economy figure, and a 37% BIK charge, mean the Ghibli in Trofeo form is only every going to be a marginal user-chooser fleet choice. 

On the road, the Ghibli's Skyhook dampers are continuously variable, but there are effectively two settings - comfort in Normal and ICE (Maserati's Eco mode) and the sportier setting that you expect in Sport or Corsa modes. In the softer settings, even with the standard 21in wheels, the ride is impressively comfortable and supple. Although it does roll more than you would expect in corners, and it sometimes cannot disguise the ride's harshness thanks to the big wheels. Firm up the suspension in the sportier modes, and there's less body roll and you can make the most of the reasonably precise steering - although the Ghibli takes more concentration to drive fast than you might expect. Thankfully the Brembo-supplied brakes have plenty of feel and wipe off speed quickly.

We also found the thick roof pillars made manoeuvres more difficult than expected - despite a rear camera.