New Toyota Camry officially launched, three variants from RM150k to RM175k [+Video]

Apr 2, 2015 5:00 pm

It’s finally here, the new Toyota Camry, and it’s charging a different ballgame altogether this time around. No longer wanting to live under the shadows of its competitors, the Camry is now offered in three trims, and they all bag some really serious surprises – a word that that’s very rarely associated to the Camry nameplate.

QUICK FACTS

Name	Toyota Camry 2.0E	Toyota Camry 2.0G	Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid
Engine	1,998cc; DOHC with VVT-iW	1,998cc; DOHC with VVT-iW	2,494cc; DOHC with VVT-i & ACIS
Transmission	6-speed auto Super ECT	6-speed auto Super ECT	E-CVT
Max Power	165 hp @ 6,500 rpm	165 hp @ 6,500 rpm	158 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Max Torque	199 Nm @ 4,600 rpm	199 Nm @ 4,600 rpm	213 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Hybrid Motor Output; Battery type	–	–	141 hp & 270 Nm; NiMH
Fuel Consumption	7.3 litres per 100km	7.3 litres per 100km	5.2 litres per 100km
Price (OTR with insurance & GST)	RM149,900	RM159,900	RM174,900

Bandied as the new Camry instead of a facelift, the popular D-Segment sedan gets an entirely new front face with a touch of changes round the body as well. The changes, as we all have come to know, aren’t just aesthetics, because it’s mechanically superior too when compared to the outgoing model.

As per the table above, the Camry is now offered in three flavours – the base 2.0E, 2.0G and range topping 2.5L Hybrid.

EXTERIOR

Say what you may, but we think the new Camry’s front fascia is a far departure from the model launched in 2012. Its design is inspired by Toyota’s ‘Under Priority’ design philosophy, bestowing the Camry with an evidently better road presence. Telling the hybrid from the non-hybrid variants apart can be easily done through their front grille. The Hybrid variant gets a mesh-type grille, whereas the E- and G-spec variants get horizontal-type grilles.

Externally, the non-hybrid Camrys get auto-levelling HID projector lamps with integrated LED daytime running lights as standard. Chrome bits are aplenty around the car, and the E/G spec are the only ones with dual exhaust tips. The Hybrid gets just one. This comes equipped with a new set of 16-inch wheels wrapped with 215/60 series tyres.

For the hybrid, its signal indicators aren’t built into the headlamps, but are integrated into the bumper right next to the fog lamps. Illumination source is full LED, and the rear combination lamps get a blue tint to further set itself apart. This top-of-the-range variant sits on a larger 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 215/55 profile Bridgestone Turanza ER33 tyres.

INTERIOR

Like the recently updated Vios, all variants of the new Camry get a black themed interior. Toyota says this is so to appeal to younger customers, as is the trend with many D-Segment sedans of late. Keyless entry and push-start system is made standard across the range as well.

The only variant to get fabric seats is the base 2.0E Camry, whereas the rest get upholstered in a combination of smooth black leather. In seat adjustments, the E-spec gets a 6-way manual adjuster and 4-way for the front passenger, whereas the G-spec and Hybrid both get 8-way power adjustable driver and passenger seats.

Greeting the driver is a new instrument panel featuring the brand’s Optitron meters sourced from Lexus. The combination of a blue background and white wordings have said to improve visual clarity under most lighting conditions. Built in between the meters is a 4.2-inch multi info display, feeding the driver with gear, shift range, warning messages, fuel consumption and temperature information.

The Hybrid variant gets a ‘Nanoe Ioniser’, a feature releasing nano-sized electrostatic atomised water particles from the driver’s side air-cond vent that moisturises the hair and skin! Other exclusive features include a Qi-compatible wireless charging tray like the one in the Lexus NX, 10-speaker JBL sound system with 5.1 surround sound (2.0L variants get six speakers) and a 7-inch touchscreen with DVD, MP3, USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity. MirrorLink is also available here, which enables your smartphone’s display to be shown and operated through the screen.

PERFORMANCE

This is where things get interesting, and complex too. The 2.0-litre inline-four engine in the E/G variants is a new 6AR-FSE unit, making a respectable 165 hp at 6,500 rpm and 199 Nm of torque at 4,600 rpm. This advanced unit can operate in both Atkinson or Otto cycle, depending on current driving condition.

The former cycle is optimised for fuel efficiency, whereas Otto cycle is geared for better power delivery. In short, the new AR engine gets the best of both worlds. Tasked with driving the front wheels is a six-speed automatic gearbox with Super ECT and Sequential Shifter. No more four-speeder ‘box here. It’s got a 70 litre fuel tank, whereas the Hybrid makes do with a smaller 65 litre tank.

Now, the Camry Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder VVT-i engine paired to two intelligent electric motors. This pairing produces a total system output of 203 hp (158 hp engine, 141 hp electric motor) and torque numbers are 213 Nm for the engine and 270 Nm from the electric motor.

It’s also a full hybrid like the Prius, meaning propulsion can be obtained from just the electric motors below the 40 km/h mark. Also to note, Toyota Malaysia is giving an eight-year assurance with unlimited mileage programme for the NiMH battery pack. Drivetrain option is an E-CVT box, also driving the front wheels only.

SAFETY

The safety kit may not be as impressive and extensive as the others, and the absence of VSC in the previous model caused quite a stir. Standard safety features are ABS, EBD and Brake Assist. Front and rear parking sensors too, if that counts for something. The 2.0G and Hybrid variants will get VSC and Traction Control, Hill Start Assist and Emergency Stop Signal, so yes, the RM150k base model will still not come with VSC.

Another active safety feature is the Blind Spot Monitoring system that’s exclusive to the Hybrid, as with the seven airbag count. The 2.0L variants have just two front airbags.

WHAT ELSE?

Let’s start with the pricing. The new Camry starts from RM149,900 for the 2.0E; RM159,900 for the 2.0G and RM174,900 for the 2.5L Hybrid. All prices are inclusive of GST and insurance. There are five colours to choose from – Medium Silver Metallic, Attitude Black, Silver Metallic, White Pearl CS and a new shade called the Grey Metallic. Just so you know, the Camry Hybrid, if without its EEV incentives, should be priced around RM250k, and this EEV qualification will expire at the end of this year.

All Camry models including the advanced Hybrid variant will be assembled at Toyota’s Shah Alam assembly plant, and Toyota aims to sell 9,000 units of the Camry by this year’s end, 7,000 units of which will be the Camry Hybrid. That’s more than 75 percent of their total sales projection!

The new Camry will be on display at the Sunway Pyramid shopping centre from 3 to 5 April, so be sure to head on down to catch the car in person! Otherwise, keep a lookout for our First Look video of the hot new D-Segment sedan which will be uploaded tomorrow.

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