Toyota Camry Review
The first Camry that came to India via the official Toyota Kirloskar Motor route was also the last Camry model Toyota GB had on sale aeons ago. While there was a hiatus in the UK, in India, Toyota continued selling various generations, despite modest sales. Which has, over the years, helped turn Camry into the go-to choice for many as their company car. While ‘Camry man’ doesn’t quite have the ‘Mondeo man’ ring to it, it’s safe to say that the Camry is an accomplished product. But what makes it work so well?
The XV70-generation model brought along lightness and improved rigidity in comparison to the model it replaced. It also looked less boring and more in line with the other new-age Toyotas. The grille might be a touch too wide, but it surprisingly doesn’t get as noticed as the ones on some of the other brands or even on other models from Toyota and Lexus. Inside the cabin, it has acres of room, good fit and finish (although if one is planning to pit it against the more conventional of prestigious brands, they’d be disappointed), and a Hybrid drive that doesn’t just benefit in keeping the CO2 emissions in check but improves the fuel economy, too.
My startling discovery on this drive was obviously how substantial a boost the electric powertrain brings. That’s not to say the 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine is gutless by any means. It’s not too vocal, and if driven calmly (like it’s supposed to be driven), it picks up speed without jolting the occupants. In the EV-only mode, provided the battery has enough charge and the accelerator pedal is feathered, the car can perform low-speed tasks without waking the engine up. The surprising bit is that when you’re on the move and happen to press the ‘Sport’ button, it’d appear that the hybrid powertrain (max power is rated at 214.5 bhp) adds a layer of dressing to this butty. By that I mean while it doesn’t quite transform the Camry, it rather heightens how good the car is.
At city speeds, the Camry behaves exactly like a well-mannered, often-chauffeured executive saloon. Comfort is its major priority, which is evident on the move. Travelling at higher speeds, the Camry retains the same character without losing its composure. It is receptive to sudden inputs too, but is held back by its comfort-orientated approach to motoring. As you must’ve guessed, it doesn’t corner without lateral movements in the body, but the way it can dart out of slow corners (following the gearbox’s trepidation-fuelled inertia) is unexpected. If you can live with the e-CVT, there’s a strong chance you’ll appreciate the front-wheel-drive car’s ability to smoothly eat up miles. As I mentioned earlier, the Sport mode, which commissions both power mills, only makes it better.
There’s something special about making a large-ish saloon dance to one’s tunes and the Camry proves that despite a front-wheel-drive layout and added weight, it can very much be an enjoyable large car to drive. It does have a few negatives, too. I’d have appreciated if the driver’s seat could be adjusted further for height — from what I remember it doesn’t go low enough. The plastic quality can definitely improve; while I don’t want the typically Japanese interior to switch its nationality, it doesn’t feel premium enough in places. Since there’s no aural enjoyment from the powertrain (and also the fact that it’s supposed to be a laid-back cruiser), the factory audio system should’ve been better. The touchscreen implementation can improve, too, no doubt.
Traits usually associated with Toyotas are very much there too: ease of driving, reliability, frugality, etc. With all that said, it does question the various markets’ inability to appreciate a car like the Camry. Because it is actually that good. And if you’re going to get one (new in India, or used in the UK), it’ll be a relatively uncommon car. Since it’ll take more than a pandemic or an asteroid hurtling toward the planet to touch this one, you can be assured of its longevity, too. As a new car, the Camry tends to surpass the buyers’ expectations. And as a used buy, its appeal is only going to rise, exponentially.
The Camry is available for Rs 41.2 lakh, ex-showroom. You can visit Toyota Bharat’s interactive website for more information by clicking here. In the UK, the Camry is no longer available as a new car, although old stock may still be available with dealers. For Toyota-approved used cars, you can visit the section here.