New Camry
Engine: petrol
Displacement - 2362 cc
Power - 167/6000 hp/rpm
Max. torque - 224/4000 Nm/rpm
Max. speed - 210 km/h
Fuel consumption:
City - 11.6 l/100 km
Highway - 6.7 l/100 km
Combined - 8.5 l/100 km
Transmission: 5-speed automatic.
Drive - front.
Dimensions:
Length - 4815 mm
Width - 1820 mm
Height - 1480 mm
Tire size: 215/60 R16
Curb weight: 1450-1528 kg
Vadym, driving experience 8 years.
My impressions of the Camry are mixed: both delight and bewilderment. From a car of this level, you first of all expect solid interior finishing and rich equipment. Take the base version R1 for $30,900. It's nice that it already includes alloy wheels, color-matched mud flaps, fog lights, immobilizer and alarm. But for the headlight washer you'll have to pay extra — $2,600.
Interior. The designers clearly overdid it with colors. Yellowish light inserts coexist with silver details and the blue panel of the stereo. Bold, to say the least. Even stranger is the seat heating block, which is only available in the $34,900 trim – in the horizontal light-yellow insert there is a cutout where a black plastic panel with two buttons is inserted. Moreover, these are exactly buttons, not smooth regulators, which are found even in cars of a lower class. And again a strange thing: the heating works only in on/off mode, although even an inexpensive similar accessory for $41 (324 UAH), which can be sewn into the seat, has three levels of adjustment. But the leather steering wheel pleased me; it is already in the R1, whereas, for example, in the new Passat B6 it is an option. As usual for Toyota, the steering wheel has controls for the stereo, climate and onboard computer. By the way, the climate control is dual-zone and, which is especially nice, equipped with an air ionizer. There are many compartments for small items, everything is neatly closed and accessible. The interior itself is, of course, spacious, especially the rear row is good.
Audio. The stereo supports MP3, six-disc, which is good. But the sound is weaker than in the Avensis, possibly because there are two fewer speakers? Power package. It seems everything necessary is in place, but again it's unclear: there is no heating for the front wiper blades. For our winters this is useful; such an option is even in the cheapest Avensis. It also surprised me that the stability control system appears only in the version for $36,400, although for such a large and heavy car an electronic assistant is simply necessary. But perhaps there is a point in this: such cars are not made for driving pleasure, but for calm and comfortable driving.
Automatic transmission. The gearbox, although 5-speed, seems outdated; exactly the same is on the Avensis 2.4. Externally they differ: the Avensis has a “manual” mode, while the Camry has D-4-3-2-1 modes. But the algorithm is the same, sending us back to the 80s: if you select “3”, the automatic looks for the needed gear only among “1”, “2” and “3”. Apparently, for Toyota, the reliability of the old gearbox is more important than the convenience of a new one. But there is now protection “from a fool”. On the Avensis, premature engagement of a lower gear can lead to breakdown, while on the Camry the automatic will engage the selected gear, for example “2”, only after reaching the maximum allowed speed for that gear. For reference: fuel consumption of the Camry 2.4 with automatic is 2 liters more than with manual.
Driving performance. The engine was modernized: previously it was 163 hp at 5800 rpm, now – 167 at 6000. The power is sufficient, the car moves easily. I really liked the cruise control; the gas pedal is almost not needed on the highway. The steering column switch is convenient for changing speed. By the way, the cruise control even after braking remembers the previous setting and can return to it. The suspension is soft, in corners there is noticeable lateral drift and roll. But we already said that this car is not for driving pleasure. However, the Camry will comfortably swallow all road irregularities. Although my acquaintance, the owner of the previous Camry, after a ride in the new one, said – he didn't like it, too stiff. What can you do, everyone has their own preferences.
The previous Camry was very popular; look how many of them drive around in Kazan. The new one has a more modern but also strict design. I am sure that the new Camry will be in even greater demand.
Alfred, driving experience 11 years.
Today I'm not dressed according to my rank. No, of course, an Armani suit is not necessary, but it wouldn't hurt to change my jeans; after all, I'm going to a test drive of the Camry. What can I say? Externally, the car has become better. The appearance has become more dynamic and modern. There is something from BMW and from other models.
The interior space slightly confused me. No, everything is done well and solidly, but the plastic inserts imitating wood in “khaki” color I did not understand. Shoot me, it doesn't look nice, that's all! There is no that harmony of taste and style inherent in expensive cars. Judge for yourself: the central console in light tones, dark plastic and those same light-brown inserts!
But this is not the main thing in a car, especially in a Toyota. This brand is famous for its reliability and durability, so let's not pay attention to the interior and move on. Sitting behind the wheel, you get the feeling that you are sitting high, much higher than some road users. It seems that neighbors are a floor below; the reason is the large ground clearance and high driver's seat! Turning the key showed how good the noise and vibration insulation is. The engine's operation at idle is completely inaudible.
The signature instrument lighting is beyond all praise. Then a smooth start without the slightest delay, instant shifts and responsiveness even to small changes in the gas pedal. The 5-speed automatic works softly and without jerks. Very comfortable sensations. At the same time, an illusion of moving at a lower speed than actual is created. They say that the previous Camry was distinguished by a particularly soft ride; in our case, the suspension tuning is more “European” – elasticity is felt. It is clear that the designers made a compromise and, to the detriment of softness, decided to add handling. The question is debatable, since on such a steamer, only a son who stole the keys from his father would sharply enter a turn and sharply change lanes.
The pedal atavism turned out to be nothing other than the hand….., pardon, now already foot-operated parking brake. I can imagine what will happen if someone accidentally (especially after a “manual”) presses it. Hmm…. And pressing it is not entirely convenient; you have to raise your leg very high. For a person with a more “solid” appearance, performing such a procedure will not be easy at all.
However, the other controls and the location of handles and buttons cause only approval. The seating position may cause debate, but the wide seats with not too pronounced lateral support are fully in the spirit of this car. Behind the wheel of the Camry you completely relax — you want to drive it literally with one finger. And road irregularities are smoothed out by the energy-intensive suspension without unnecessary noise and strain. The longer you drive the “Toyota”, the clearer it becomes why many motorists choose it as a reliable companion. Silence, tranquility, complete composure even on domestic roads — all these signs of a truly comfortable car are evident here.
At the same time, such details as the lack of air flow adjustment for the rear row or heated windshield wipers are frankly disappointing. I especially felt the inconvenience of the rear seat folding mechanism when it was drizzling outside. To fold the backrest, you need to open the trunk lid, get out of the car and pull a special lever — only after that the seat will lower. However, it is worth admitting: when folded, an opening into the luggage compartment opens, which will be very useful for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. Fortunately, I didn't spend money on an expensive suit — a change of jeans was enough not to stand out from the image of this car. I will not classify it as business class: in front of us is just an excellent, very spacious family sedan.