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Posted on: Jun 08 2007

Toyota-New Camry

Lined up alongside its direct competitors — the Honda Accord, the impressive new Hyundai Sonata Embera and the Skoda Superb — the capable new Camry has the potential to come out on top. But is it substantially better? :

Design, Engineering and Interiors: 
Easily the most outlandish design to have emerged from Toyota in recent years, the new Camry is as radical as they come. The falcon eye headlights, the badge bulge or ‘comet’, and the matching high-mounted tail lights are details brilliantly set into the modern form of the new Camry. The shoulder line that emerges from the front wheel arch is also a neat touch that sets the car apart from older designs.

The Camry also has that BMW 7 Series-like step in the tail that all high-waisted cars need. It is not debatable; this is the most attractive of the cars here, probably the best-looking too. The new Camry is also built on a longer wheelbase, with much shorter overhangs, especially at the front. But the overall length of the car is identical to the earlier model.

The Camry uses McPherson struts for the front suspension, and an independent suspension at the rear. Its well equipped with electronic anti-skid measures or ESP, which use individual wheel braking to stabilise a slide, ABS and six airbags. The Camry’s dashboard is now composed of two layers, finished in different colours. The door pads and console between the seats are finished in light coloured wood, with the area around the gear selector given a sparse, Nissan-like look. Brushed aluminium-like plastic adorns large amounts of the cabin and a transparent, light blue finish has been provided to the central console. The effective aircon system also has a built in ‘plasmacluster’ ioniser that has the ability to zap germs, allergens and bacteria — a useful touch in our condition.

Quality levels are high but the interiors still have that light Japanese build. And there are some cheap looking bits around too, like the panel under the steering wheel. The seats are comfortable, especially at the rear thanks to the wide rear bench. It does lack a bit of under thigh support though.

Performance, Fuel Economy and Handling: 
The new Camry’s 167bhp motor uses counterbalancing shafts for refinement and infinitely variable valve timing also helps give instant throttle responses at the bottom half of the powerband. Working superbly with the torque converter of the automatic gearbox, the Camry motor responds instantly to every tap on the throttle, delivering a gratifying burst of power and energy. The Toyota’s motor is also as smooth as silk at lower revs. A 100kph figure comes up in a fast 10.2 seconds and 150 in 22.44 seconds — blistering pace for a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine in a car of this size.

The Camry is also very efficient, stretching the litre to 7.6 kilometres in the city and an impressive 10.8kpl on the highway. The long wheelbase and well-tuned suspension soak up large bumps and broken roads well. There is precious little deflection of the passenger cabin, but sharp ridges do cause greater deflection and more audible noise from the suspension. Its comparatively lower profile tyres also make their presence felt. The power steering system makes the steering too light for spirited driving. It is however perfectly suited to urban traffic, where you often need to go from one lock to another. Apart from the steering, the Camry displays good body control when you turn into a corner.

Verdict:
The new Camry's stunning looks mean you can’t miss it — it is fast, refined, reliable and is very competitive at every other important luxury car criterion too. It is poor value however, being a whole one-third more expensive than the Honda Accord — a car which shadows it closely when it comes to overall ability.
Source: autocarindia.com