Dismay sets-in with most TV news bulletins these days. Despite reports that seldom make the headlines about our nation being perfect for new business operations, all too often, it is the negative implications that are selected for broadcast. For Toyota, most recently, the loss of Auris and Avensis may have seemed tragic. Yet, they have been replaced by Corolla and shared technology that will see Suzuki hybrid models rolling off its production lines very soon.
Supplementing the brand’s UK presence is the news that an all-new Camry Hybrid will be joining its dealer network imminently, at prices around £30,000. Available in two trim levels, Design and Excel, the return of Camry after fifteen years heralds Toyota’s self-charging hybrid line-up to an excellent eight-strong position. Powered by a new 2.5-litre Hybrid Dynamic Force powertrain, apart from fuel efficiency, low emissions and quieter running, its impressive figures of 215bhp, 98g/km CO2 and a stated up to 53.3mpg suggests that Camry should hit the road running.
The combined petrol engine and electric drivetrain operates through a sequential automated transmission that mimics a six-speed automatic ’box, which will increase driver engagement. Camry is a massive success story for Toyota, having amassed over 19m sales since 1982 and its eighth generation, now built on the firm’s TNGA platform, will follow suit. The entirely new car’s packaging is excellent and follows much of the premise established by the all-new Corolla.
Since the latest version’s inception, its development has been based on two pillars: Performance (which includes driving dynamics, noise, vibration and harshness levels, quality-durability-reliability and packaging) and Intelligence (high-tech specifications, comfort and safety). To achieve the remit, the new Camry has a wide, low and aerodynamically efficient exterior design that projects confident, distinctive styling, while incorporating a further evolution of Toyota’s current design philosophy that places an emphasis on the visual impact of the lower section of the car and a keener-edged appearance overall.
Camry’s cabin floor and the seating hip points have been lowered, which has the effect of reducing the car’s centre of gravity, without hindering access and egress, while the interior displays an overall fusion of Japanese style, comfort and craftsmanship. The organic curves of the dashboard enclose an ergonomically ideal, driver-focused cockpit. The front seats provide both comfort and support, while the rear seats have a 60:40 split-folding configuration that expands the available boot space.
All-new switchgear has been designed to look and feel high-end, with optimised functionality. The Human-Machine Interface (HMI) concept provides two information displays: a 7.0-inch multi-information display in the driver’s instrument binnacle; and another 7.0-inch centre console display incorporating the ‘Toyota Touch 2 with Go’ multimedia and navigation system.
