A NEW look, new engines, uprated suspension and more equipment, Toytota's Avensis flagship is now an even more attractive proposition as it targets the business sector.

The engine range now features new 1.6 and 2.0-litre D-4D diesels and 1.8-litre petrol - all of which are Euro 6 compliant.

The firm makes no secret of its business ambitions with four trims, two of which feature the word business.

Starting with Active, followed by Business Edition, Business Edition Plus and top-of-the-range Excel, all have masses of standard kit.

The estate version, like many of this kind, is even better looking than its saloon stablemate saloon, with swooping, almost coupe like lines and smart light clusters with daytime-running LEDs.

The interior has also been revamped with high quality soft touch finish to dash and doors and chrome finish to dials, gearstick and steering wheel.

Equipment on the Touring Sports, as Toyota calls its estates, includes the Touch 2 connectivity system and an eight-inch multimedia touchscreen which controls major functions and infotainment.

On most models there is also a 4.2-inch screen, set between the dials on in the instrument binnacle display data from audio, phone, navigation and safety functions, including active safety system status and warnings.

Seating is comfortable and easily adjustable and all occupants have decent legroom.

Estates must be practical vehicles and the Avensis has plenty of stowage capacity. The boot boasts 543 litres of space, but with a clever one-touch system, the rears seats tumble and fold flat to offer 1,609 litres.

The previous D-4D diesel engine has been replaced with the lighter, more fuel efficient 1.6 D-4D, mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

The 110bhp unit is 20kg lighter an is eight per cent more fuel efficient that what was already a pretty efficient predecessor.

Claimed economy is a massive 67.3mpg while CO2 emissions are down to a very business friendly 108g/km.

Performance is decent, the car accelerates from 0 - 62mph in 11.4 seconds and a top speed of 115mph.

It is as much a motorway cruiser as anything else and as such fits the role admirably, being refined and quiet on long motorway runs and cruising effortlessly at maximum speed limit.

It is also decent enough on country lanes where the uprated suspension has improved ride and handling.

Equipment levels are impressive with all models featuring Pre-Crash Safety system, cruise control, air conditioning, six-speaker CD/radio audio, Bluetooth, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, LED rear and daytime running lights and power windows.

Business Edition adds Toyota Touch 2 with Go touchscreen multimedia and navigation system, digital/DAB audio package with eight-inch display, reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlights, automatic air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels and part-Alcantara seat upholstery, while the tested Business Edition Plus upgrades leather upholstery with Alcantara inserts, front fog lights with a cornering function, LED headlamps, smart entry and rear privacy glass.

The range topper has a 10-speaker audio system and electrically adjustable front seats among other bells and whistles.