The Camry is Toyota’s entry level luxury car. In India of course, it is a luxury car. The Camry has always been known for the comfort and convenience it offers. Comfort, definitely yes. But in India, buyers did not get the convenience of an auto transmission.
Now, Toyota has brought in the Camry Automatic which will offer even more driving comfort and convenience. Even though Toyota has a good brand name in India, the Camry hasn’t really caught the fancy of the Indians. Why? Because there is a car called the Honda Accord. Honda has an excellent reputation here, and the Accord was priced way below the Camry.
Moreover, Camry didn’t have auto transmission. Now, the auto transmission and a few minor changes up the Camry’s appeal. Does buying the new Camry automatic, over the near perfect Accord make sense?
Styling-More class than flash, bullet proof Toyota reliability.
Along with the new transmission, the Camry was subjected to a small cosmetic change. The headlamps are even more attractive and elegant, with jewel effect bulbs enclosed in a clear glass. The grille is much more attractive. It has chrome strips which add an element of class. The bumper is redesigned and looks more sporty.
The smooth sleek side profile doesn’t get any change as far as I know. The alloys look very attractive. The rear also gets a few changes. The tail lamp is newly designed. It is of the same shape, but has some changes in the lights. The rear looks nicer with this change. The Camry has always been conservative yet elegant with a touch of class. Toyota’s bullet proof reliability can never be doubted. The build quality is very good. The good finish only enhances the looks. Compared to the gorgeous Accord, the Camry looks rather conservative.
Interior-Conservative but very spacious and comfy, amazing quality.
The interior feels very airy. The electrically adjustable leather seats are very comfortable and there is ample leg room. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and the instrument panel is well laid out. There is also cruise control. The interior is built with quality materials. The dashboard has some rich bird’s eye maple wood.
The interior design is modern yet conservative. There is leather all around. The side door panels also gets some leather as well as wood. The air con is very effective. The rear gets more than enough space. Three adults can sit in absolute comfort. Leg room, shoulder room and head room are all very good. The Camry is not very high on kit. You do get a CD-changer, but on such a car we expect a sunroof, especially for the premium which Toyota charges. Other than that, no probs. The materials feel like they are built to last forever. And I forgot, there is the all new 4 speed auto gearbox.
Engine and performance-Good performance from a gem of an engine.
The Camry is powered by a 2 liter petrol engine that pumps out a good 143 bhp. Peak torque is 20.9 kgm generated at 4000 rpm. The engine is a hallmark of refinement and there are absolutely no signs of vibrations. At idle you can hardly hear the engine. The Camry is quite heavy at 1600 kg. The engine has sufficient power. At low speeds you can’t hear the engine running. Hit the throttle, and the engine and transmission get into action.
The transmission does its job very well, and you won’t be asking for more power at any point. It hits 60 km/h in 4 seconds which is quite good. It completes the sprint to 100 km/h in around 10 seconds which is certainly commendable. When compared to the Accord, it is lesser on power, but still can match the Accord’s acceleration. Keep accelerating and the Camry will manage a top whack of more than 205 km/h. And even through this treatment it doesn’t lose its calm, and is silent and refined.
Ride and handling-Good ride, okay handling.
The Camry’s suspension is softly sprung. So low speed ride is a little harsh. Bumps and potholes make their presence felt. But at decent speeds, it is extremely comfortable. It soaks irregularities with ease. The cruise control is a feature by which you can set the speed and press the button. Then relax yourself and the car drives on its own. If you break, the car slows down.
So it is extremely comfortable to drive on the highway, cruising at high speeds. The handling? It isn’t the best around, though for a car of its size and weight, it feels okay. Small turns can easily be handled, but challenging steep turns at high speeds isn’t the Camry’s cup of tea. Anyway, it is okay for the average driver.
Fuel efficiency-Auto transmission makes it thirsty.
The Camry wasn’t really popular for its petrol consumption. With the inclusion of the auto transmission the Camry becomes even more thirsty. In the city, it averages 7.5 km/l and this increases upto 10 km/l on the highway. In mixed conditions, the Camry runs an okay 8-9 km/l. This way the Camry is on par with the Accord. But with high petrol prices, the fuel economy isn’t too good.
VERDICT-The Camry automatic, though improved, isn’t very far ahead of the old Camry. The Camry qualities remain; elgance, quality, comfort, convenience and refinement. It looks gracious, is built like a tank, has the most spacious interior in its class and quality is its USP. Even though the Camry isn’t a driver’s car, it offers good performance from its refined engine.
The handling is far from sporty, but the ride quality is extremely good at higher speeds. What is the Camry’s setback then? Fuel economy? Not really, because all cars in its class have similiar figures. The only setback is its value for money. It is priced at 20 lakhs, and considering that you can get an Accord V6 automatic for 2 lakhs less, its value for money is not good.
If only the Camry was priced near the Accord, it would have given extremely stiff competition with its reliability and brand name. But if you don’t mind spending the extra money, what you get, is an utterly comfortable and reliable car which will serve you flawlessly for decades.
LOOKS-9/10
BUILD QUALITY-9.5/10
FIT AND FINISH-9.5/10
INTERIOR-9.5/10
ENGINE-10/10
PERFORMANCE-9/10
RIDE-9/10
HANDLING-8.5/10
FUEL EFFICIENCY-8.5/10
VALUE FOR MONEY-6.5/10
GRAND TOTAL- 90/100
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