Overview
TOYOTA launched its seventh-generation Camry into Australian dealerships late final 12 months, the three-variant and all-hybrid mid-sized sedan arriving as a significant facelift of the outgoing mannequin with Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid driveline expertise becoming a member of freshened appears to be like, a refined chassis, revised expertise, and the most recent security gear.
Pricing will increase mirror the adjustments now starting from $39,990 plus on-road prices in base Ascent kind, rising by $42,990 + ORC for the Ascent Sport and $53,990 + ORC for the flagship SL (as examined). The Camry SX Hybrid is deleted from the vary.
Powering the vary, Toyota’s 2.5-litre petrol-electric driveline delivers what Toyota claims are enhancements in driveability and gasoline effectivity, shaving as much as 11 per cent from the gasoline invoice of the outgoing mannequin. The official Mixed cycle quantity is listed at 4.0 litres per 100km with CO2 emissions of 91 grams per kilometre.
Complete system energy will increase by 10kW to 170kW compared with the outgoing Camry, generated by the mix of a 138kW/221Nm four-cylinder petrol engine and 100kW/208Nm everlasting magnet synchronous motor – each driving the entrance wheels by way of a repeatedly variable transmission.
Experience and dealing with enhancements arrive courtesy of retuned Macpherson strut entrance and multi-link rear suspension to offer what Toyota says are “extra participating dealing with traits, with out affecting trip consolation”.
The electrical steering rack has likewise been retuned with speed-sensitive help offering a “lighter and extra direct steering really feel and responsiveness”, says Toyota. The set-up is accompanied by a newly developed electrical brake management system that employs an lively hydraulic booster to boost brake really feel and optimise kinetic vitality restoration.
Whereas the brand new Camry sits on the identical TNGA-Ok platform as its predecessor, with an an identical 2825mm wheelbase, the automobile’s exterior makeover has resulted in an extended entrance overhang, extending the automobile’s general size by 35mm compared with its predecessor.
The entrance and rear styling is outlined by Toyota’s daring Hammer Head design idea with its useful and trendy aerodynamic components, whereas in profile the character traces that converge on the rear, together with a extra tapered rear roofline, give the brand new Camry a “distinctively dynamic look”.
The brand new-look design continues inside, with what the importer says is a “subtle cabin that includes a sculpted sprint and door trims that create a seamless move”.
Inside highlights embrace digital instrumentation displayed on both 7.0-inch or 12.3-inch screens, relying on the grade, Toyota’s latest-generation multimedia system, that includes cloud-based satellite tv for pc navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with both 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment shows, once more relying on grade.
Function and gear highlights for the entry-grade Ascent embrace 17-inch alloy wheels, material upholstery, dual-zone local weather management and LED daytime working, head- and tail-lights.
The mid-range Ascent Sport provides high-grade LED lighting and LED fog lights, an eight-way energy adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar assist, wi-fi smartphone charger and a bigger 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen show.
Lastly, the flagship SL is differentiated by 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, rear aspect and again privateness glass and heated aspect mirrors with reverse and reminiscence operate.
Inside, Camry SL options leather-accented upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, eight-way energy adjustable entrance passenger seat, entrance seat heating and air flow, a heated steering wheel with energy adjustment and a nine-speaker JBL audio system.
Throughout the vary we additionally discover the most recent security package utilized with the brand new Camry boasting the complete suite of Toyota’s Security Sense lively security applied sciences.
Upgrades for the brand new Camry embrace improved street person detection and lively cruise management parameters and the addition of latest performance throughout the vary together with blind spot monitor, rear cross visitors alert, emergency driver assist system and protected exit help.
The brand new Camry is obtainable with a 12-month complimentary subscription to Toyota Linked Companies offering what Toyota says is a “vary of welcome advantages to prospects by the Camry’s inbuilt information communication module”.
Toyota backs the Camry vary with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre assure together with 5 years of capped-price servicing, unfold over 12-month or 15,000km intervals at a value of $255 per service.
Driving Impressions
It’s a disgrace many people are so sedan adversarial. SUVs may need rather a lot going for them, however in some ways are usually not a match for the refinement, dealing with, consolation, and effectivity supplied in a well-made mid-sized sedan.
And the Toyota Camry is a wonderful instance of its variety.
It’s a terrific drive that provides the quietness and smart packaging we’ve come to neglect. Separating the cargo space from the cabin makes a sedan far quieter than an all-in-one SUV physique, the decrease roofline and streamline physique additional hushing wind noise out on the open street.
The Camry can be a remarkably spacious car with beneficiant (virtually giant automobile) rear legroom and a big boot. It’s very simple to make use of and perceive, and surprisingly easy to park. We additionally appreciated the smart calibration of the automobile’s ADAS methods, which work cohesively and simply as they need to.
Below the bonnet, the two.5-litre engine is refined and highly effective, whereas additionally being frugal. Within the bustling stop-start grind that may be a Melbourne work week, we managed simply 4.0 litres per 100km, all of the whereas working the local weather management and with the car in Regular mode.
The stepped transition from petrol to electrical motivation is a factor of the previous, the transmission motion likewise easy and environment friendly. We by no means caught the Camry within the improper gear, discovering acceleration linear whether or not from standstill or at tempo.
It’s also pleasing to discover a regenerative system that features cooperatively with the service brake. Whether or not utilizing the friction brakes, regenerative characteristic, or a mix of each, the Camry stops swifty and easily, feeling quite Lexus-like and completely predictable.
Likewise, the improved suspension bundle shines over unkept metropolis streets, absorbing potholes and tram traces with little or no fuss. It delivers a predictable stage of suggestions that offers the Camry an pleasing edge, dealing with quick freeway on ramps with a way of eagerness that appears, effectively, very un-Camry-like.
As is typical of Toyota fashions, the Camry’s HVAC system did effectively to handle a steady cabin temperature whereas the seating supplied glorious assist for these occasions we discovered ourselves caught quick in peak-hour gridlock. Right here, the nine-speaker JBL audio system is a deal with, providing clear mid-range and respectable bass when coupled with a high-resolution streaming service and wi-fi connection.
OK, the top-spec Camry could be a bit of expensive, however it’s nonetheless good worth for cash when considered in opposition to its thirstier mainstream rivals.
Given the effectivity on provide, the sturdy aftersales and resale worth obtainable, the roomy cabin, and the delicate simplicity of the driving expertise we expect there’s little or no right here to not like – and would strongly suggest a check drive.
