Toyota will launch the facelifted Camry this month with a revised line-up featuring four hybrid grades and a single entry-level petrol variant. The model range reflects the strong appeal of the Hybrid that accounted for 70 per cent of current model Camry sales in 2020 and a V6 power option will no longer be available.

Alongside the focus on the improved 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain, the upgraded Camry gets new front-end styling, a new dash offering better ergonomics and featuring a larger 9-inch touchscreen display (7-inch for Ascent grade), and additional Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance features.

The hybrid powertrain in the new Camry uses a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine that works in combination with a pair of electric motor generators to deliver a maximum output of 160kW.

Combined cycle fuel consumption is as low as 4.2l/100km for Ascent and Ascent Sport grades with 4.5l/100km for SL and 4.7l/100km for SX.

The new 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine offered in the Ascent generates a maximum power of 152kW while returning a combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.8l/100km.

Among the safety upgrades is the introduction of Toyota Connected Services,together with new features for Toyota Safety Sense with the addition of road sign assist, emergency steering assist and intersection turn assistance on every model.

This builds upon existing features that include pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and day cyclist detection, active cruise control, lane trace assist and auto high beam.

The entry-level Ascent features LED lights, alloy wheels, a reversing camera and the latest generation multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The Ascent Sport gains additional such as dual-zone climate control, smart entry and start and satellite navigation with a 9-inch touchscreen display, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors as standard.

The SX is gets leather-accented front seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, paddle shifters for the CVT and interior leather-accented trim.

As the top-of-the-range variant, the SL model features heated and cooled front seats, electric boot opening, head-up display, electrochromatic interior mirror, panoramic roof, panoramic view monitor and a nine-speaker JBL audio system.

“When we launched the first Camry Hybrid 10 years ago, it was only the second hybrid model after Prius,” said Toyota Australia Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley in a media statement.

“Today, we offer the hybrid powertrain in seven model lines and with over 70 per cent of current Camry buyers opting for the hybrid version, it is our biggest seller.

“Customers have come to appreciate the significant benefits to their bottom line, practicality and their environmental footprint and now with this facelifted model, we are further improving the proposition with a more stylish aesthetic inside and out and more advanced safety and comfort technology,” he said.

PRICING

Ascent 2.5 petrol automatic $30,990
Ascent 2.5 hybrid CVT $33,490
Ascent Sport 2.5 hybrid CVT $36,290
SX 2.5 hybrid CVT $39,190
SL 2.5 hybrid CVT $46,990.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (April 2021)

22 April 2021