Toyota Camry An All-Round Performer
Toyota's Camry is the automotive equivalent of cricketer Allan Border at his best - a true all-rounder, competent in every department.
And - just like 'AB' - Camry is a true leader. In fact Toyota's sharply priced, generously equipped and nice-to-drive mid-sizer dominates its market segment, accounting for better than one-in-every-three cars sold.
While hype is building surrounding the early 2010 launch of the Hybrid Camry, the rest of the range - a key plank in Toyota's local business - has just been upgraded and Car Showroom tested the latest version of the mid-range Ateva model.
What You Get
Camry's success is an accolade for the engineering and manufacturing workers at Toyota's plant in Altona, Victoria. They have taken a global design that is spacious inside and drives well and delivered a locally built car with impeccable standards of manufacturing quality and reliability.
Sure the styling is not cutting edge, but it's contemporary and pleasant. And the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine is not the 'raciest' in the segment but it's handy, for the most part refined and economical.
For families and commercial buyers Camry is a no-risk decision. It's a world-class all-rounder providing lots of interior space and unquestionable value for money.
The latest round of upgrades saw revised styling with a new front grille and bumper, larger projector headlights, re-styled LED taillights, extra airbags (six now standard) and upgraded audio systems with Bluetooth compatibility. Ateva and Grande models also gained a rear view camera.
Under The Hood
As part of the recent upgrades, changes to the engine and four-speed automatic transmission have delivered better fuel economy from Toyota's trusty 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol powerplant.
Maximum power is now 117kW and peak torque is 218Nm but fuel economy is down to 8.8l/100kms (previously 9.9l/10kms). Segment rivals the Ford Mondeo and Mazda6 have slightly larger engines with a bit of extra power.
The Interior
Camry is very spacious inside - a genuine family four or five seater.
New seat fabrics, trim, an extra storage bin and better-looking instruments were included in the upgrades. In addition, the Ateva model we tested gained dual zone climate control air-conditioning and a better audio system with USB/MP3 input and a 4.3-inch colour LCD situated at the top of the center console.
The steering wheel adjusts for rake and reach and the electronic seat adjustment in the Ateva provides a good driving position. Controls for the audio are mounted on the steering wheel but Toyota persists with the stalk cruise control operation (much better to have buttons on the steering wheel).
Both front and rear seats are comfortable and supportive and although the Camry feels high-waisted (you sit low in the car), all-round visibility is good and Toyota gets top marks for the rear view camera included in the Ateva - a definite safety advantage and handy for tight parking maneuvers.
Exterior & Styling
Although the exterior changes seem minor, the new curved front grille and headlights give the Camry a more purposeful look and the LED taillights freshen the rear end. There are 12 LEDS in the rear lights, which activate more quickly and consume less power than conventional lights.
Ateva models also gained new 10-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels.
Our test car was painted in the new Liquid Metal colour which is a modern paint colour also noticeable in the latest designs coming from Europe.
On The Road
It was a hectic time when we had the Camry Ateva on test and the large boot easily handled the paraphernalia required for a weekend golf trip and dance concert for the Car Showroom juniors. Getting everyone on board with child seats and the rest was easy as the Camry has wide-opening front and rear doors.
On the road, Toyota's 2.4-litre engine was not troubled hauling the load and we liked the instant response from the well-mapped engine management system and four-speed automatic for rapid highway overtaking.
One-up and tackling our high-speed mountain roads test route we liked the Camry's overall balance and turn-in. It's not quite in the Mondeo/Mazda6 league for sporty response but its all-round 'sure-footedness' cannot be questioned.
Around town the Camry remained refined over Melbourne's tram/train crossings and our female drivers had no complaints when parking in tight shopping mall car parks.
Challenges
All things considered we would only deduct marks from the Camry in two areas.
Firstly the engine does get a bit noisy when worked hard. This was noticeable when climbing up the hills on our test route.
Secondly, while overall chassis balance and steering is quite precise, the feedback through the power steering is a tad too light - especially when compared to the segment's ride/handling leader the Ford Mondeo.
Verdict
Camry scores highly for its interior space and reliability. 'Competent all-rounder' is the term that keeps coming back with the Camry and with thousands of Australians parting with their cash to buy one … well it's successful for good reasons.
The Competition
With its latest improvements the Mazda6 is competitively priced, well equipped, nicely engineered and a more sporty drive.
A similar story with Ford's European-sourced Mondeo. We reckon it's the sportiest of all the volume-selling mid-sizers and, like the Mazda, provides a hatchback alternative.
Holden's Korean-sourced Epica is very keenly priced, offers the option of a diesel engine but doesn't match the Camry for dynamics.
Likes
Value; interior space
Dislikes
Engine gets noisy when pushed; steering a little too light
