Toyota Camry Hybrid: Road Test

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $41,490
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Nil
Crash rating: Five-star (ANCAP)
Fuel: 91 RON ULP
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 5.2
CO2 emissions (g/km): 121
Also consider: Ford Falcon G6 EcoBoost (from $40,835); Holden Commodore Berlina 3.0 SIDI (from $43,490); Nissan Maxima 250 ST-L (from $33,990); Volkswagen Passat 118 TSI (from $38,990)

Strictly speaking, the revisions to the latest Camry Hybrid are a progressive, evolutionary effort that most might see as anything but exciting. But the result of the many tweaks and fine-tuning -- especially beneath the skin -- are far from subtle. In fact, the differences in dynamism between the old and new model are like chalk and cheese.

Gone is much of the understeer that plagued Camry Hybrid (and indeed Camry full stop), the brittle ride and Novocaine steering feel. Instead the new car exhibits decent handling, a composed ride and steering that, although still light, is no longer completely devoid of road feel.

The cabin has grown to comfortably accommodate four adults (five at a pinch) with changes in rear seat packaging significant. The fit and finish is measurably better inside and out, and boot space (421-litres), while still impacted by the wants of Camry Hybrid’s NiMH battery, is now family friendly.

The new Camry Hybrid draws motivation from a (118kW/213Nm) 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine coupled to an electric motor via Toyota’s patented Hybrid Synergy Drive system. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT), propelling Camry Hybrid from 0-100km/h in 8.0 seconds. As impressive as this figure is, the car’s real strength is in its ability to overtake, dashing briskly from 80 to 110km/h.

Plant the foot with the steering wheel turned and Camry Hybrid will spin the inside wheel. Pleasingly, the stability control system intervenes sensibly, allowing progressive gains in momentum, rather than completely curtailing propulsion. Officially, the ADR combined cycle average for Camry Hybrid is quoted at 5.2L/100km. And with little consideration of fuel economy, we achieved 6.5L/100km through a steady mix of city and highway cruising.

Camry Hybrid is easy to manoeuvre around town, turns sharply, and, thanks to a rear-view camera, parking sensors and self-dipping (LH) side mirror, is a breeze to park. Visibility both ahead and laterally is excellent, though thick C-pillars can make reversing from a 90- or 45-degree park somewhat tricky.

Wind and road noise is present at highway speeds, but not intrusive; the latter no doubt generated from the HL-spec’s low -profile 17-inch tyres.

A comfortable electrically-adjustable driver’s seat provides ample support for longer trips, though for the price, we’d have expected seat heaters to accompany the leather trim. The steering wheel, too, is a noticeably large in diameter than it should be -- no doubt to provide through-vision to the numerous (and largely irrelevant) array of gauges on the instrument cluster.

Above those options found in the entry-level Camry Hybrid H (from $34,990 MRLP), the up-spec family-hauler receives fog lamps, 17-inch alloys, boot lip spoiler, chrome-finish door handles and rear garnish, driver’s seat memory function (two settings), electrochromatic rear-view mirror, electric rear window sunshade, auto wipers and headlamps (with auto high-beam function), and a ten-speaker JBL audio package with digital radio (DAB), sat nav and Bluetooth connectivity.

Safety equipment extends to the usual array of electronic driver aids, blind-spot monitoring system and seven airbags to see Camry Hybrid achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

With a competitive entry price and fixed price servicing benefits adding even more merit to Camry Hybrid’s resolved packaging, Toyota has a real alternative to smaller capacity locally-built large sedans and the often expensive Euro-sourced turbodiesels.

If we were giving out awards for the most improved car we’ve driven this year, Camry Hybrid would certainly be at the top of the list.

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