TOYOTA'S Avensis is probably one of the most underestimated cars on the road.

A name familiar in the UK for many years, it has never had the benefit of badge-driven wow-factor, yet it is known as one of the most reliable and well-built cars on the market.

The latest version builds on this reliable platform, but the tourer version I drove recently features a refreshed style and road stance, putting it in a much better position to pull new fans.

Now in its third generation, the Avensis is turning new heads, especially in the tourer market because it has recently won the family estate honours in a major new car awards list.

This is proof that the car's recent revision is propelling it to a new desirability, a fact underlined by impressive improvements inside the car with high quality soft touch surfaces and new upholstery.

Better sound insulation means a much quieter life on the roads, the whole package being refined to offer a much more enjoyable driving experience.

Apart from its obvious attraction to the family motorist, Avensis tourer has some distinct advantages to the business driver with cavernous loadspace.

One thing is blatantly obvious - wherever you look the quality and attention to detail is immense. And it has to  be because this car is Toyota's European flagship competing in a very tough market environment.

Packed with technology, this car, a 2.0-litre top range T Spirit, comes with Touch and Go multimedia and satellite navigation with highly detailed mapping.

With definite European lines and a more squat road stance, the latest Avensis stands up well when parked next to VW Passats and Audis.

The Avensis comes with a five year/100,000 mile warranty, not that it will be called on very often because of this car's proven reliability record. You certainly do not see many in lay bys with the bonnet up and rescue truck standing by.

Ride is more firm, adding greatly to the car's cornering capabilities.

Latest economy engineering enables this turbodiesel achieve some creditable stats including 119g/km emissions and a combined economy figure of 62.8mpg.

The Avensis is without doubt a success story for its builders - and it's built in Britain at Toyota's factory at Burnaston near Derby.