Toyota has launched its new hybrid-only Camry range in Australia, with a new-generation Hybrid Electric powertrain, stylish exterior and interior redesign, and substantially upgraded multimedia and active safety technologies.
Reflecting Toyota’s commitment to fuel-saving technologies and its multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation, the new Camry sees the introduction of Toyota’s fifth-generation 2.5-litre Hybrid Electric powertrain to its Australian lineup for the first time.
The new generation Hybrid Electric powertrain delivers more power, improved drive performance and reduced fuel consumption of just 4.0L/100km1.
Complementing the new powertrain is a sleek exterior design which adopts Toyota’s Hammer Head design language, along with the addition of Toyota’s latest active safety technologies and increased standard equipment for comfort and convenience.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the new Camry delivered on what customers want, with improved driveability, fuel economy and equipment levels, all packaged in a very stylish contemporary sedan.
“Customer demand for Toyota’s fuel-saving Hybrid Electric technology has grown ever-stronger in recent years, and the new Camry’s hybrid-only lineup reflects that demand,” Mr Hanley said.
“With incredibly low fuel consumption, improved output and driveability, the new Hybrid Electric Camry range offers the performance and driving dynamics our customers demand.
“At the same time, its stylish good looks make it a standout on the road with all the safety, comfort and advanced technology that will ensure it remains Australia’s favourite mid-sized sedan,” he said.
The first fifth-generation 2.5-litre Hybrid Electric powertrain is exclusively offered in the Camry, delivering improvements to all-round driveability while also reducing fuel consumption by up to 11 per cent depending on grade, compared to the previous generation 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain.
The 4.0L/100km figure is returned on all three official ADR81/02 tests for combined, urban and extra-urban cycles with CO2 emissions of just 91 grams per kilometre2 across all grades and driving cycle tests.
At the same time, the combined Hybrid Electric system power output has been increased by 10kW to 170kW, compared to the outgoing Camry, generated through a combination of the 138kW/221Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine and 100kW/208Nm permanent magnet synchronous motor mounted on the front axle.
All elements of the new generation Hybrid Electric system including the petrol engine, lighter and more compact transaxle, and 12kW more powerful electric motor generator have undergone significant revisions resulting in substantially improved fuel efficiency, dynamic performance and response, and reduced NVH.
The new Hybrid Electric system drives the front wheels via an electronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), with Normal, Eco and Sport modes, along with an EV mode which allows the Camry to be driven solely on EV power over short distances and at low speeds.
To take advantage of the smooth, linear, improved performance of the new powertrain, Toyota engineers have retuned both the front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension to provide the Camry with more engaging handling characteristics, without affecting ride comfort.
The rack parallel-type electric power steering system has been further refined with the speed-sensitive assistance providing a lighter and more direct steering feel and responsiveness.
Braking performance has also been improved with a newly-developed electronic control brake system that employs an active hydraulic booster to enhance brake feel and optimise kinetic energy recovery for the regenerative braking.
While the new Camry sits on the same platform as its predecessor with a 2825mm wheelbase, the car’s sleek new exterior design has resulted in a longer front overhang, extending the car’s overall length by 35mm compared to its predecessor.
The front and rear are defined by the bold Hammer Head design concept with its functional and stylish aerodynamic elements, while in profile the character lines that converge at the rear, along with a more tapered rear roofline, give the new Camry a distinctively dynamic appearance.
The new-look design continues inside the new Camry, with a sophisticated cabin featuring a sculpted dash and door trims that create a seamless flow, which combined with the high-quality materials and textures, provide an elegant and premium ambience.
Digital instrumentation displayed on either 7-inch or 12.3-inch screens depending on the grade, provides easy-to-read and extensively customisable options for driving and vehicle information while all climate, audio and driving controls are placed for safe and ergonomic functionality.
Building on the upgraded interior is Toyota’s latest-generation multimedia system, featuring cloud-based satellite navigation3, and Bluetooth®4 connectivity and is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay®5 and Android Auto™6, with either 8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen displays, depending on the grade.
The latest technology has also been applied for safety with the new Camry featuring a full suite of Toyota’s Safety Sense active safety technologies. Upgrades for the new Camry include improved road user detection and active cruise control parameters, and the addition of new functionality across the range including blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, emergency driver support system and safe exit assist.7
The new Camry range starts from $39,990 plus on-road costs8 for the entry-level Ascent, packed with standard equipment and features including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, daytime running lights and rear combination lamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen display for the multimedia system.
The mid-range Ascent Sport is available from $42,990 plus on-road costs8, and adds high-grade LED headlamps and tail-lamps, LED foglamps, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, wireless smartphone charger9, and a larger 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen display.
Priced from $53,9908, the flagship SL is differentiated by new-design 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic rain-sensing wipers, rear side and back privacy glass, and heated side mirrors with reverse and memory function.
Inside, the flagship model features leather-accented upholstery, panoramic sunroof, eight-way power adjustable front passenger seat, front seat heating and ventilation, heated steering wheel with power adjustment, and a nine-speaker JBL®10 audio system.
A 12-month complimentary subscription to Toyota Connected Services11 provides a range of welcome benefits to customers through the Camry’s inbuilt data communication module.
The new Camry is covered by Toyota Warranty Advantage that includes a five-year/unlimited kilometre coverage term.12
The Toyota Service Advantage provides Camry owners with five years of capped-price servicing, spread over 12-month or 15,000km intervals at a price of $255 per service.13
The new-generation Camry range is available with the choice of eight exterior colours offered across the range, consisting of Glacier White, Frosted White, Silver Pearl, Liquid Mercury, Eclipse Black, Jasper Red, Precious Bronze and Saturn Blue.14
