The refreshed Toyota Camry range goes on-sale in June with the Japanese car maker improving the Atara SX offering to what it always should have been.
The refreshed Toyota Camry range goes on-sale on June 6, with the Atara SX the biggest beneficiary of changes. And long overdue ones, too.
The exterior gets some minor changes, including new 18-inch alloy wheels and red inserts along the lower edge of the front grille and rear-bumper diffuser, but it’s on the the inside where the biggest improvements have taken place… improvements that the Atara SX should have had from launch.
It now gets satellite navigationand expanded Toyota Link connected mobility operated via a larger seven-inch screen, as well as a JBL premium audio system and digital (DAB+) radio. Atara SX also gains a power sunshade for the back windscreen and its reversing camera image now offers superimposed predictive guidelines that move as the driver turns the steering wheel for easier manoeuvring.
Unfortunately, the Atara SX has copped a price increase of $1500, which this writer thinks is a bit much, especially when many cheaper cars have sat-nav as standard.
In addition, all new Camrys, starting with the Altise, now get ISOFIX mounting points in the rear seats, while Camry's petrol and petrol-electric engines have been certified to Euro 5; many competitors offer Euro 6 engines. All Camry Atara models now have front and rear corner parking sensors. The interior of the petrol Atara S now features a full-colour 4.2-inch thin-film transistor multi-information display.
Altise models have a folding key, 6.1-inch display audio and static guidelines for the rear-camera display. Altise hybrid has keyless entry and ignition and auto dual-zone air-conditioning.
From Atara S upwards, all variants adopt these features as well as a power-adjustable driver's seat, leather-accented steering wheel and Toyota Link connected mobility. All Atara petrol grades employ paddle gear-shifters mounted on the steering wheel and dual exhausts.
Atara SX's sporty nature is further highlighted by suspension settings that simultaneously provide impressive body control and ride comfort. A fast-ratio electric power steering system delivers a connected driving feel. The model also features a sports mesh grille, rear lip spoiler and leather-accented sports seats.
Atara SL is equipped with advanced safety technologies that use radar sensors and a windscreen-mounted camera: pre-collision safety system, active cruise control and lane departure alert. Its other features that contribute to safety and convenience include automatic high beam, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
The range-topping SL variants also offer leather-accented power-adjustable front seats with driver's memory function, premium audio with a seven-inch screen and satellite navigation&. Atara SL has a rear-lip spoiler. A tilt-and-slide moonroof is optional for Atara SX and SL.
Camry is covered by Toyota Service Advantage with up to five standard scheduled services at $140## each during the first four years or 75,000km (whichever occurs first).
For more on Toyota vehicles, including prices and specifications, check out our Showroom.
